Special Pops Tennis (SPT), an organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through tennis, held its 13th annual Fall Classic Adaptive Tennis Tournament from September 28–30 at Life Time Fitness in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. 

 

This flagship event invites individuals with special needs and tennis enthusiasts to participate in a fun weekend of activities, including a Friday night cookout, a Saturday evening dance, a Sunday morning Olympics style awards ceremony and, of course, lots of tennis.   

 

This year, over 139 athletes participated from seven states. There were 92 singles matches, 75 unified doubles matches and 30 traditional doubles matches played, for a grand total of 197 matches throughout the weekend. To put this tournament in perspective, the US Open holds 246 professional singles matches over the course of two weeks. ADVERTISEMENT This is our Atlanta Open of Adaptive Tennis!

 

“Every year, I look forward to playing in the Fall Classic because it is a place where I feel appreciated and respected for who I am,” said Kayleigh Dell, a Special Pops Tennis player. “The Fall Classic brings together the best tennis players not only from Georgia but the surrounding states as well. It gives me an opportunity to improve my game and socialize with new players.”

 

This tournament would not be successful without the direction of Special Pops Tennis Executive Director Jim Hamm and over 325 spirited volunteers, generous sponsors, dedicated committee leaders, supportive families, involved coaches and beautiful weather conditions. 

 

Plans have already begun for the 14th Annual Fall Classic Adaptive Tennis Tournament in September 2019. 

 

To learn more, visit www.specialpopstennis.org.