Fourth-Annual World Team Tennis Event

On January 11, 2020, the Greater Midland Tennis Center played host to the fourth-annual World Team Tennis Tournament. This unique event offered six teams the chance to compete against each other in a World Team Tennis format. Players ranged in skill from 3.0 to USPTA teaching professionals. 

The event was the result of club director Scott Mitchell wanting to give back to the surrounding community. After meeting with Special Gifts Manager, Robbie Waclawski of Special Olympics Michigan, a new event was born. 

"We brainstormed a bit about how we could make this event different from their [Greater Midland Tennis Center] other fundraising tournaments," said Waclawski. "I suggested we mimic the World Team Tennis format and call it a Team Tennis Challenge.

"It has been very well received by the club members and is always a fun and high-energy day!"

Despite an ice storm, players experienced tennis, food, fun and a great cause. Through raffles and donations, over $2,500 was raised for Special Olympics Michigan. 

Special Olympics Michigan provides opportunities year-round for athletes with intellectual disabilities to train and compete at a high level. According to Special Olympics Michigan, about 22,777 athletes (children and adults) participate in programs offered by the organization at no cost to the athletes or their families.

It is thanks to donations and funding from events, such as the World Team Tennis Tournament, that Special Olympics Michigan continues to touch the lives of thousands of athletes per year.

Because of the success of the event, members from the Greater Midland Tennis Center, as well as Special Olympics Michigan, look forward to many years of partnership and making a difference through tennis. 

Learn more about Special Olympics Michigan here.