Seventeen deserving wheelchair tennis programs across the United States have been awarded a combined $50,000 in USTA Wheelchair Tennis Grassroots Grants.

The grants were awarded to programs that promote and develop the growth of wheelchair tennis and use the sport of tennis to help build stronger, healthier communities. They were given based on each program’s existing budget, as well as the future programming needs of the organization, and can be used for coaching, court time, equipment, recruitment and events, including tournaments and camps.

“Wheelchair tennis continues to grow in stature and popularity in the United States, and the USTA is proud to award these grants to deserving wheelchair tennis organizations in recognition of their commitment in promoting and growing the sport,” said Joanne Wallen, USTA Director, Adult Individual Play & Wheelchair Tennis. ADVERTISEMENT “These organizations positively impact wheelchair tennis, and we know that these grants will be a part of a continued effort in expanding programs that support the wheelchair community through tennis and foster growth and success in players.”  

 

The first USTA Wheelchair Tennis Grassroots Grants were awarded in 2008, and since then, the USTA has given more than $500,000 to wheelchair tennis programs across the country.  

 

The latest USTA grants are being awarded to the following organizations: 

 

• Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports, Tucson, Ariz.
• University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
• Seattle Adaptive Sports, Seattle, Wash.
• University of Houston, Houston, Texas
• MSU Department of Kinesiology, East Lansing, Mich.
• Southcoast Wheelchair Tennis, Attleboro, Mass.
• Spring Rollers LLC, Woodlands, Texas
• Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living, Allentown, Pa.
• Biola University, La Miranda, Calif.
• Bowling Green Parks and Rec., Bowling Green, Ky.
• Paula G. Manship YMCA, Baton Rouge, La.
• Southern Crescent Tennis Association, Peachtree, Ga.
• San Antonio Tennis Association, San Antonio, Texas
• City of Tampa Parks and Rec., Tampa, Fla.
• Teaming Individuals Emphasizing Sports, Sacramento, Calif.
• Kroc Center, Greenville, S.C.
• Mid Carolina Tennis Association, Rock Hill, S.C.

 

Organizations that are interested in starting a wheelchair tennis program or would like more information about wheelchair tennis can contact the USTA here.