Two Omaha Organizations Receive Grants

Two Omaha organizations will receive Serving Up Tennis Grants from the USTA. The funds can be used to introduce or expand their tennis programs. The Omaha Tennis Buddies, which provides training and resources for adaptive tennis athletes and their families will be receiving a grant for $3,000 to help with their funding.

“The grant will offset budget expenses for indoor and outdoor court fees, equipment, uniforms, tournament hosting, community engagement for athletes, family members and caregivers,” said Jane Hines, coordinator. “Grant funding has been crucial to our sustaining efforts. We’ve received support from both non-tennis and tennis partners.”

Omaha Tennis Buddies consists of all age groups, and levels. They play at numerous sites including the Maple Athletic Complex, Koch Family Tennis Center and Genesis Health Clubs. For more on the Tennis Buddies, click on the website: https://tennisbuddies.wixsite.com/tennisbuddies.

The Nelson Mandela Elementary School and Early Childhood Center will also be receiving a $3,000 grant to help start up a youth 10 and under tennis program throughout the summer term. 

“We plan to teach tennis to students in first grade through third grade, as well as a tiny tennis program at the Early Childhood Center,” said Kwin Kunkle, Curriculum and Enrichment Coordinator. “The goal of the tennis program is to introduce scholars to a lifelong sport that is not currently available in their neighborhood or community.”

100 percent of the students at Nelson Mandela receive free tuition, breakfast and lunch. Scholars are selected based on need. For more on the school, click here: https://nelsonmandelaelementary.org/.