Tennis for FUN
We have so many spectacular programs here at BSAC, but one in particular stands out as being really special because of its special needs athletes, most of whom experience Down’s Syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, and other disorders. Tennis for Fun is a free tennis clinic whose goal is to provide special needs athletes with an opportunity to have fun playing tennis, to learn basic skills, and to provide one another with socialization. Run by volunteer Judy Moore, Tennis for Fun has experienced great success in developing athletes in Special Olympics and providing another setting for social interaction. The program was started in September of 2000 by Nathan Moore, a Jesuit High School student, and has resided at BSAC ever since. There are currently 40 athletes who participate. Their excitement on Friday afternoons is what drives the program and what Judy and the volunteers say is the most special part of the experience.
Judy invites all special needs athletes to come out to the facility and try the program. The parents of these athletes, many of whom volunteer by helping demonstrate tennis skills, planning social activities, and more, are very appreciative and proud of what these athletes have accomplished. On March 5, 2011 the biggest number of athletes ever, 29, will be participating in the Special Olympics Regionals to be held at The University of South Florida. Last year 11 qualified for the State Special Olympics.
How can you help with this program? One way is by attending our 4th Annual Casino Night on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at the Winthrop Theatre Building in Riverview from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Your Casino Night dollars support all of our programs, and this one is no exception.
For more information, here are some helpful links:
www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.html
kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/cerebral_palsy.htmlhttps://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/genetic/down_syndrome.html
Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center is a proud official host site for Hillsborough County Special Olympics, and we are an official training site for both swimming and tennis. Tennis for Fun, an adaptive tennis program for intellectually disabled youth and adults coached by volunteer Judy Moore, has been hosted by BSAC for over ten years at no charge. Many of these students are part of BSAC’s Team TRIDENT Program, a day training program teaching life skills, social skills and physical fitness habits.