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Fila Hosts Desert Smash Celebrity Charity Tennis Event

Ja Rule, Colton Haynes, Alan Thicke, John Isner and Sam Querry were among the participants at the Fila-sponsored event.

By Jennie Bell

Jennie Bell

Deputy Managing Editor

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Ja Rule at the Desert Smash charity event.
Courtesy of brand.

Earlier this week, celebrities hit the court for the 12th annual Desert Smash charity tennis tournament sponsored by Fila.

The athletic brand hosted the event at Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, Calif., to benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Among the featured participants were rapper Ja Rule and actors Colton Haynes, Alan Thicke, Boris Kodjoe and Amaury Nolasco. Also competing in the event was fitness guru Shaun T, who teamed up with Fila last summer to promote everyday exercise.

Boris Kodjoe at the Desert Smash charity event.Courtesy of Fila.

Helping out the celebrities on the court were Fila-sponsored athletes John Isner and Sam Querrey, who entertained the crowd with singles and doubles play.

Fila Desert Smash — Alan Thicke and Boris Kodjoe get a little help from the pros at the Desert Smash charity event.Courtesy of Fila.

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Hopefully the two tennis pros didn’t wear themselves out too much during the charity event because they’re slated to compete in this month’s BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif.

Both Isner (ranked No. 11 in the world) and Quarrey (ranked 58th) skipped the early qualifying rounds this week and will face their first opponents this weekend in the second round of the tourney.

Japan-based Fila is also the official footwear and apparel sponsor of the BNP Paribas Open and is providing custom-designed uniforms for event staff and volunteers. Ball kids and line persons also have been outfitted with the brand’s new Cage Delirium tennis sneaker, which debuted last week and is currently available in stores for $100.