HERO New York wins 2026 National Adaptive Tennis Award
Ten advocates for the sport of tennis at the grassroots and local levels were honored with national awards at the 2026 USTA Annual Meeting and Conference in Orlando, Fla.
WATCH: HERO New York honored with Adaptive Tennis Community Service Award
HERO Inc., which operates programming in the Greater New York City metro area, was honored with the Adaptive Tennis National Community Service Award at the USTA Annual Meeting & Conference, held in Orlando, Fla. The USTA awards the honor to an individual or a program that has demonstrated excellence, dedication, and service related to tennis for an adaptive community.
HERO, which stands for Help Expand Recreation Opportunities, was co-founded in 1992 by Janet Lefkowitz. Over the past 33 years, HERO’s programs have served more than 20,000 under-resourced, socially-isolated adults and youth living with intellectual, social, and physical challenges, including autism, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, visual and hearing impairments, and wounded veterans. The organization also offers scholarships, so that no one is turned away due to an inability to pay.
HERO is led by a group of passionate volunteers and instructors who work to ensure that programs are centered on fun, positive social interactions, emotional well-being, and fitness.
The HERO team regularly advocates for the people it serves through teaching, speaking engagements, and lessons held at parks, schools, group homes, and agencies that serve people living with disabilities throughout the tri-state region.
“The HERO team truly lives up to its name,” said Brian Vahaly, USTA President and interim co-CEO. “Through Janet Lefkowitz’s vision and leadership, they’ve opened doors for people of all ages and abilities to experience what’s possible through tennis. They’re not just growing the game; they’re building confidence, connection, and community. HERO is a powerful example of what it looks like when inclusion leads the way.”
The USTA has awarded the Adaptive Tennis National Community Service honor since 2003.
USTA interim co-CEO and Chairman of the Board and President Brian Vahaly poses with Janet Lefkowitz, representing HERO New York, and the trophy for the Adaptive Tennis Award at the 2026 Annual Meeting & Conference. Photo by Susan Mullane/USTA.
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