NATCHEZ — When players take the tennis court next month in the 36th annual Natchez Community Cancer Tennis Tournament, they won’t just be swinging a racket for enjoyment, they will also be swinging in hopes of knocking out cancer.

“Part of our proceeds go to the American Cancer Society,” tournament chairman Noreen Pyron said. “Some also goes to Camp Rainbow, which is a camp for kids with cancer.”

Pyron said a portion of the money also goes towards the community tennis association for upgrades at the courts.

This year’s tournament, with headquarters at Duncan Park, will be June 5-7, and Pyron said she hopes to have a large turnout.

“The last four years, our numbers have declined, but we would like to get it built back up and have people come and play,” she said. “It is a fun tournament with good competition.”

Pyron said in the past, numbers have been as high as 200 participants, but recently it has ranged from 120-130 players.

The deadline to enter the tournament is June 3, and players must be 18 years old or a high school graduate.

Every participant is guaranteed two matches.

The cost is $30 per person per event, and to participate in the social only, it is $25 per couple.

For more information on the tournament, call 601-597-4711 or 601-446-1340.