Adaptive Tennis Spotlights

When tennis pro Richard Spurling married child neurologist Shefali Jeste, they decided to also marry their skill sets to create a tennis program that would help children with autism spectrum disorders.  ACEing Autism is a fun program that connects kids through tennis.

Special Pops is dedicated to enriching the lives and well being of the intellectually challenged through active participation in tennis. This volunteer organization conducts free instructional clinics, introducing players to the basics of tennis, including exercise drills, instruction, and tournaments. Most importantly, though, is the opportunity for social interaction among the athletes.

HERO, Inc. provides fun, fitness and positive social experiences via tennis carnivals in the New York metropolitan area. HERO, Inc. works closely with the USTA and the Eastern Section to provide tennis opportunities for over 2000 participants.

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.

Christian Boschert is an 18-year-old honors student that decided to give back to the community via a partnership with some very special athletes- the Kansas City Tennis Buddies. In a matter of months, the effervescent teen assembled volunteers, court time and grant funding. Boschert now concentrates on the heart of KC Tennis Buddies: the eager athletes.

The Wisconsin Tennis Association (WTA) has, over many years, been a strong advocate of tennis programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Their support has given many children the opportunity to enjoy the game, develop self-esteem, learn discipline, and create the overall positive feeling that comes from being successful.

The inaugural World Team Tennis ALL Stars' Event featured top players from the Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri Special Olympics programs. The teams played an adapted WTT format in the Kansas City Explorers' Stadium. Spirited tennis, team camaraderie and sportsmanship prevailed.

The Omaha Tennis Association has completed its project of building four 60-foot tennis courts at the Koch Family Tennis Center. A USTA QuickStart Tennis Training included interested parties from many diverse tennis backgrounds to learn more about the new play format. The OTA was quick to fill its training session due to outreach efforts to the entire tennis community.

They arrive at the Gwynedd-Mercy College campus, youth and adults of all ages, with a variety of physical and intellectual disabilities.  But when they enter Jim Holt's Touch of Tennis Clinics each summer, they have one thing in common: they’re all tennis players.

The USTA National Adaptive Tennis Committee would like to know more about your programs, people and events. This gives recognition to the great work you’re doing and inspires others to provide similar services.  Contact us now!
 
Joyce Dreslin, USTA Adaptive Tennis Committee, Spotlight Project Team Leader

The USTA has developed a database of Adaptive Tennis Programs with the purpose of connecting tennis players with the programs available to meet their tennis needs.  Stay informed about grants, events, awards, and more.  It is free to register your program.