Connections Made Through Wheelchair Tennis

Jena Munson has worked in adaptive sports for many years. She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist at CHI Health Immanuel Rehabilitation Institute in Omaha. Over the years she helped develop a variety of adaptive sports opportunities for kids and adults with physical disabilities. The tennis program started up several years ago and has been very successful.

“It has been gratifying to be part of the process to watch players who do not think they have a chance to make a connection with the ball ever again,” she said. “Then, all of a sudden, because of the constant repetition, they begin to trust their physical movements to get to the ball.”

The program is supported by USTA Nebraska, as well as Nebraska Adaptive Sports - and is played at numerous clubs throughout the Omaha community including Hanscom Tennis Center, Koch Family Tennis Center, Montclair Community Center and Genesis Health Clubs.

Munson said the program is up and running at full capacity with beginner and intermediate groups meeting weekly.

“Our overall goal as an organization is to be able to offer opportunities for the youth and adults to enhance their overall health and wellbeing,” she added. “Our program will continue to work to grow the sport of tennis at all levels.  We will continue to share the word about the sport and let everyone know about the benefits tennis has to offer on and off of the court.”

Munson said there will be a junior youth tennis clinic coming in July. For more information on this and other opportunities for adaptive tennis, contact Munson at jena.munson@commonspirit.org or 402-572-2276.