National Wheelchair Programs Receive $50,000 From USTA
The US Tennis Association (USTA) has awarded $50,000 in USTA Grassroots Wheelchair Program Grants to 16 wheelchair tennis programs across the country. According to UTSA, the winning organizations promote and develop the growth of wheelchair tennis and use the sport of tennis to build stronger, healthier communities.
“These grants are just a part of our continued efforts in supporting important programs that reach out to the wheelchair community through tennis and assist in the development of the sport,” said Dan James, USTA national manager, wheelchair tennis. “The USTA is proud to honor these organizations that show such passion for wheelchair tennis.”
Each organization received funds based on its existing budget and future programming needs. The grants are intended to fund coaching, court time, equipment, recruitment and events such as tournaments and camps.
The following organizations were selected:
- Apex Park & Recreation District Arvada Tennis Center, Arvada, Colo.
- Barshop Jewish Community Center of San Antonio, Texas
- Colorado Wheelchair Tennis Foundation, Denver
- Gene Orlando’s Wheelchair Tennis Program, Lansing, Mich.
- Georgia Tennis Foundation, Atlanta
- Grand Rapids Wheelchair Sports Association, Grand Rapids, Mich.
- Henry County Parks & Recreation, Locust Grove, Ga.
- Idaho Wheelchair Tennis Association, Boise, Idaho
- IMPAKT Tennis, Corte Madera, Calif.
- Richmond Tennis Association, Richmond, Va.
- The Greater Cincinnati Tennis Association, Ohio
- Turnstone Center for Disabled Children & Adults, Fort Wayne, Ind.
- USTA Southern Arizona, Tucson, Ariz.
- Walton Foundation for Independence, Augusta, Ga.
- West Coast Wheelchair Tennis Association, Woodland Hills, Calif.
- Wheelchair Sports Federation, Middle Village, N.Y.
Additional USTA Wheelchair Tennis Grant opportunities will be announced in 2012. Organizations interested in starting a wheelchair tennis program or that would like more information about wheelchair tennis should send an e-mail.