Before Donald Young Jr. began competition at the BB&T Atlanta Open at Atlantic Station, the 22-year-old professional tennis player accepted a proclamation from Clayton County at the Clayton County Tennis Center on July 13.

“It’s awesome, especially for chairman Eldrin Bell to come out and present me with this honor,” Young said.

After receiving his plaque, Young also had some words of encouragement for the kids in attendance for the seventh session of tennis camp.

“I feel like you guys should really listen to your mentors and coaches,” Young said. “Never think you know it all. You can always learn and get better. Keep striving for what you want. A lot of people are going to tell you can’t do it but just keep working at it. Aim for the stars because you never know what you are going to get.”

Young, who is currently ranked No. 57 in the world, also told the youth under the sound of his voice to use this sport to further their education.

“I hope you guys do well and all go on to, at least, get a college scholarship in tennis,” he said.

Since participating in Wimbledon last month, Young has just been preparing (in the heat) for the BB&T Open and the Olympics later this month and next month.

“It’s awesome to make the team and represent your country and be one of the four guys selected to make the tennis team,” Young said. “It just shows the hard work I put in last year to get my ranking up in order to be selected. I’m just honored to be a part of the team. I’m looking forward to it.”

According to Young, playing tennis at the All England Club is second to none and he is clearly excited about making another trip there this year.

“Wimbledon is great,” Young said. “It’s like hallowed ground. Everybody knows about Wimbledon even if they don’t play tennis. The grass is perfect and the crowd is so polite.”

After his chase for gold, Young will immediately turn his attention to the US Open which begins at the end of August.

“The US open is really big for me,” Young said. “It’s the time I want to shine and really do well.”

Young advanced to the fourth round of last year’s event.

Also in attendance for Young’s honoring was Melina Blasetti, the founder of Rackets 4 All. For more information on the non-profit or-ganization, visit www.rackets4all.com.