Special Olympics Missouri brings tennis fun to the Southwest Area
On Saturday, September 14, Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) debuted its first ever tennis clinic.
“This [was] the first year we ran this clinic in an effort to grow the sport of tennis among the Southwest Area of Special Olympics Missouri,” Southwest Area Program Director Jesse Williams said. “In years past, our area has been behind the curve in regard to participation in tennis with the Special Olympics, so the idea to hold a clinic, where we could expose the sport to more athletes and coaches before they have to fully buy-in to a competition, was something we felt would benefit everyone going forward.”
The event was hosted by Cooper Tennis Complex in Springfield and welcomed 17 athletes, which was a large growth in numbers compared to similar past events.
“This event had approximately 17 athletes in attendance,” Williams said. “In years past, the Southwest Area of Missouri has struggled to keep-up with the rest of the state with tennis participation at Special Olympics Missouri’s State Outdoor Games. Last year, for example, there were only five athletes from our area that competed in tennis at our state tournament in Jefferson City.”
For each SOMO sport, a rating system is used to efficiently place athletes in their correct division. The rating system takes age and ability into consideration. Other variations can be added to the sport as well to meet certain athletes’ accommodations.
“For tennis [these accommodations] involve making the court smaller, using a different ball, or changing the point system. For some of our lower ability athletes, we offer a way for them to compete based on specific skills and drills rather than a complete game format. We try to make sure we are as inclusive and adaptive as possible without interfering with the integrity of the sport,” Williams said.
Several of these athletes will advance to compete in the State Outdoor Games, many for the first time. Qualifiers will travel from all over Missouri to Jefferson City in October to compete.
“The athletes that competed in our summer sports (including tennis) were working to advance to what is called our State Outdoor Games. Athletes from all over Missouri will be competing in Golf, Tennis, Bocce Ball, Softball, and Flag Football; with some of them hoping to earn the right to advance to USA Games in 2026,” Williams said. “These state tournaments are huge events where athletes from all over the state are able to come together and have fun, competing and socializing with each other, and seeing the reward for all their hard work. For some, these events are huge celebrations; and for others, these events are stepping stones in further developing their skills so they can hopefully move on and represent all of Missouri at the USA Games.”
It takes a strong team to run these clinics and events, and luckily, SOMO has a dedicated and hardworking crew. Although most of their events are volunteer bases, clinics are an exception.
“For the clinic itself, we had a SOMO coach, who is a volunteer, two SOMO staff, plus several facilitators from Cooper Tennis Complex,” Williams said. “We cannot do what we do without volunteers, including our coaches, so if anyone is interested in seeing how they can be involved or support what we’re doing, we would love to speak with them!”
SOMO also has great relationships with organizations that help support its cause.
“Special Olympics Missouri has several partnerships and sponsors that help make our events possible,” Williams said. “For the Southwest Area, our sponsors this year are: 4 State Trucks, Culver’s, Midwest Honda Dealers Association, and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. These companies have generously donated both time and money to help with Special Olympics Missouri in the Southwest Area, and we could not do what we do without them. This community does a fantastic job of supporting our athletes, and we are truly grateful for their generosity.”
The combination of highly skilled athletes, dedicated volunteers, and generous coaches has built a community like no other.
“With this being the first [clinic], it's hard to say what impact it has, but I know we have a great community here filled with people who genuinely care about helping others. We have volunteers of all ages and all backgrounds coming to our events, and very rarely does someone only volunteer once,” Williams said. “Once you come out, see the impact these events have on these athletes, you’re sold. The athletes are always excited to meet new volunteers, especially when they keep coming back. It truly ends up being like one big family, and we’re always open to adding to it.”
Interested in learning more about Special Olympics Missouri or looking for opportunities to get involved? Click here to find event details and volunteer information.
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