June Spotlight On A Program:USTA South Carolina

South Carolina Spotlight ©

USTA South Carolina has been on the move promoting and expanding Wheelchair Tennis throughout the state. The expansion of Wheelchair tennis in South Carolina has brought together many players and introduced this incredible game to athletes and spectators alike. USTA South Carolina is currently holding wheelchair tennis clinics, as well as traveling throughout the state to inspire players and promote the game of tennis.

Currently, in Columbia every weekend at Greenview Park throughout May and until the 13^th of June with USTA South Carolina support Domino Boulware is hosting a wheelchair tennis clinic. Basic movement and turning skills are practiced, easing into to the more difficult maneuvers later in the clinic.

USTA South Carolina participated in the Superintendent’s Cup in Charleston held May 2^nd, 2009, where a wheelchair exhibition was put on for all attendees. This event brought over 300 teachers and administrators together for a team tournament. Wheelchair player Alessandro Cianfoni took the court against local pro Philip Burke, for a great match. Cianfoni awed the crowd with his quick acceleration and sharp turns. Once the exhibition concluded, other attendees were invited to take the court and test their skills in sport chairs, provided by USTA SC. Joined by Hayden Brinker, a wheelchair tennis student of Burke, participants attempted to maneuver and hit balls with much difficulty. Many participants said that they were even more impressed with Cianfoni’s and Brinker’s mobility after their own attempts.

In addition to the clinics and Superintendent’s Cup the wheels were rolling and feet were running at the recent Run/Roll Wheelchair Exhibition held during the Family Circle Cup. Along with the Mixed Doubles Run/Roll exhibition, featuring local tennis celebrities from South Carolina, a hitting clinic was administered where local wheelchair players came out to hit the ball around. Once again, the sport chairs challenged players and brought a greater appreciation to the game of wheelchair tennis.

South Carolina has been expanding the game of tennis to those who typically would not get involved to play. It also broadened the appreciation of the game of tennis as a whole. It is a great way to stay healthy, and most importantly, have fun!