Tennis for Fun (Tampa, FL) was the recipient of the 2011 USTA Adaptive Tennis National Community Service Award. The award is given to a program or program leader that has demonstrated continued excellence, dedication and service in tennis for an adaptive tennis community.
Tennis for Fun, a free weekly tennis clinic available to athletes with special needs, is a volunteer organization that provides opportunities to have fun playing tennis while learning basic life skills and socializing. Tennis for Fun was founded in September, 2000 by Nathan Moore, a high school student. Moore’s goal was to create a positive and fun activity for athletes with special needs in the greater Tampa area.
Since its inception, the program has grown substantially, spreading to three additional locations (Brandon, Fla., Belfast, Me., and Camden, Me.) providing tennis instruction to more than 100 athletes. Participants in the program range in age from 8 to 55, with some choosing to compete in Special Olympics competitions. Now run by Moore’s mother Judy, and Rosanna Chiaramonte, Tennis for Fun is supported by dedicated volunteers who donate services and equipment.
Learn more about Tennis for Fun through this touching video.