Baton Rouge Wheelchair Tennis Association honored with 2024 Brad Parks Award
Eight advocates for the sport of tennis at the grassroots and local levels were honored with national awards at last week's 2024 USTA Annual Meeting and Conference in Orlando, Fla.
WATCH: Baton Rogue Wheelchair Tennis Assocation honored with Brad Parks Award
The Baton Rouge Wheelchair Tennis Association has worked tirelessly to promote the growth and development of wheelchair tennis, and has been awarded with the USTA's Brad Parks Award.
What began as a grassroots initiative has become a global destination for players over the last 40 years. The organization’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and accessibility has been instrumental in its success. It has organized countless tournaments and events for people of all ages with disabilities, creating a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone can enjoy the sport.
Among the group’s most notable events is the Cajun Classic tournament, one of the most prestigious in the world. The annual tournament brings together both professional and amateur wheelchair players from 20 countries and 25 states for a competitive and social event.
In addition, the organization’s annual Halloween carnival introduces children to tennis in a fun and unique way. The carnival features adapted tennis courts, allowing players with different disabilities to participate in the sport.
“The Baton Rouge Wheelchair Tennis Association’s dedication to growing wheelchair tennis is continuous and ongoing,” Craig Morris, the USTA's chief executive for community tennis, said.
“The organization has created a vibrant and thriving community where players can come together, compete, and celebrate the transformative power of the sport.”
Photo by CameraworksUSA/USTA.
First presented in 2002 by the USTA and the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the Brad Parks Award is awarded to a group or an individual who promotes wheelchair tennis and provides opportunities to wheelchair players through the development of programs. The award honors the founder of the sport and 2010 Hall of Famer Brad Parks, credited as the founder of wheelchair tennis.
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