Adaptive Tennis Spotlights

The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center was the venue for the 2012 Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day (AAKD). It was a perfect blend of fun and entertainment! The USTA extended invitations to various adaptive tennis groups in the area, including athletes from the New York Special Olympics Hudson Valley Region.  They reported that this year’s AAKD was A-OK!

 

The Westchester Tennis group from the Special Olympics Hudson Valley Region represents players of varying skill levels. But the common denominator is that they all enjoy tennis! They had recently competed in the New York Special Olympics State Summer Games. Dina Adimari and Rich Kamerman are volunteer coaches. Court time is donated for indoor tennis practices.

 

The AAKD stadium show treated these athletes to some fabulous tennis from superstars such as Novak Djokovic and Mardy Fish, and celebrities Carly Rae Jepson and Olympic Medalist, Missy Franklin to name a few. Glee’s Matthew Morrison also made an entertaining cameo as the chair umpire. The stadium erupted in excitement as the players and stars spontaneously began singing "Call Me Maybe" in the middle of the celebrity match. The fans joined the star-studded flash mob.

 

Arthur Ashe would have been pleased…