ACEing Autism event promotes adaptive tennis for children during US Open

On Aug. 25, ACEing Autism hosted a clinic for children during the US Open’s Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day to promote adaptive tennis and share the benefits of the sport in a fun—and definitely memorable—atmosphere.

Twenty-one tennis players hit the courts to learn the basics and benefits of adaptive tennis from ACEing Autism representatives from its Philadelphia and New York chapters as well as tennis pros—even legend Pam Shriver made an appearance.

Rebecca Falkner Axelrod, USTA Heart of America executive director who is also on the board of ACEing Autism, was present, too. It was her first year attending the US Open event as a board member, but she’s been part of the clinics before. Falkner Axelrod was featured in a USTA National article centered on Arthur Ashe Kids' Day.

“It was cool getting everyone involved to spread the word about adaptive tennis,” Falkner Axelrod said. “We had quite a few volunteers, and it was very energetic and fun for all.”

In addition to Falkner Axelrod, USTA Missouri Valley staff members Lindsay Hall, Marissa Moment Brown, Alywn Mushonga and Laura Puryear volunteered at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day. The group was some of the several individuals to have a connection to this year’s US Open.

Falkner Axelrod shared that the week before the US Open event ACEing Autism program directors were in Cincinnati for their annual retreat, during which they hosted a clinic for even more children.

“We had a whole day of discussion then hosted a clinic that Sunday from 12:30 to 2:00,” she shared. “We saw a ton of kids—probably 35 to 40. Since (ACEing Autism) has chapters in Cincinnati and New York, it was cool meeting the families at both locations and talking to them about the programs.”

ACEing Autism has 151 chapters across the country, and each works toward going to larger pro tournaments such as the US Open to spread the word about adaptive tennis. For more information, visit the ACEing Autism website.