April 24, 2008 - ATP Player, Marcio Torres visits Wee Care Child Care at the Family Enrichment Center in Bowling Green, KY

By Michael Compton - The Daily News
When you're a professional tennis player, a lot of time and focus go into improving your craft, but that doesn't mean there isn't a little time to give back to the community as well.

That's just what ATP tennis player Marcio Torres did Thursday, spending a few hours with the children at the Family Enrichment Center in Bowling Green.

Torres, who was in town for his sister's wedding, arrived with hats and other items for the children and also took time to read a few stories as well.

The visit was set up through Athletes for Hope - a charitable organization created by a few very successful athletes with a deep commitment to charitable and community causes. Those athletes include Andre Agassi, Muhammad Ali, Lance Armstrong, Warrick Dunn, Jeff Gordon, Mia Hamm, Tony Hawk, Andrea Jaeger, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Mario Lemieux, Alonzo Mourning and Cal Ripken Jr.

Torres said he is happy to be a part of the program. "I've done it three or four times this year," Torres said. "I try to help as much as I can and reach out as much as possible."

Torres is currently ranked 773 in the world, but has spent the year concentrating on doubles play.

Although Torres doesn't have a set partner, he has a 13-10 record in doubles matches this year and is about to embark on a European tour. He also hopes to play doubles in the final three majors.

"This year has been pretty good," Torres said. "I'm trying to grow every day. I'm pretty close to getting in the Top 100 and that is the goal for the Europe trip."

And improving his play in doubles is the focus now, but that doesn't mean his singles careers is completely on hold.

"The priority right now is doubles, but I'm still playing singles," Torres said. "One helps the other. I play both and practice for both, but my schedule is more toward doubles this year."

But for one day the tennis rackets were traded for Clifford the Red Dog books, something that brings just as much joy to Torres as winning a match.

"It's nice," he said. "Some of the kids have problems and I try to make them laugh and have fun at least one morning and one day - get their minds off their problems and maybe give them motivation."

About Family Enrichment Center
Family Enrichment Center is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization in Bowling Green, KY whose mission is “To empower families and prevent child abuse by providing education, social support, crisis intervention and a safe environment for children and their families.” The Wee Care Nursery is a non-profit child care program operated by Family Enrichment Center for the primary purpose of providing high quality, affordable child care to families in the Bowling Green/Warren County community. Wee Care is a licensed center and serves children ages six weeks to five years.

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