ORLANDO, February 13, 2019 (USTA Press Release)
The USTA announced that it is awarding more than $100,000 in USTA Wheelchair Tennis Grassroots Grants to 36 deserving wheelchair tennis programs nationwide. Grants were awarded to local organizations that promote and develop the growth of wheelchair tennis and use the sport of tennis to help build stronger, healthier communities. The first USTA Wheelchair Tennis Grassroots Grants were awarded in 2008 and since then, the USTA has given more than $550,000 to wheelchair tennis programs across the country.
Grant amounts were based on each program’s existing budget, as well as the future programming needs of the organization. Recipients can use the award to meet the USTA’s grant initiatives including coaching, court time, equipment, recruitment and events (tournaments, camps, etc.).
“The USTA is proud to award these grants to deserving wheelchair tennis organizations in recognition of their commitment in promoting and growing the sport of wheelchair tennis,” said Joanne Wallen, USTA Director, Adult Individual Play. “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 USTA grants are being awarded to the following organizations:
- Dwight Davis Tennis Center, St. Louis
- Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports, Tucson, Ariz.
- Courage Kenny Foundation, Minneapolis
- South Coast Wheelchair Tennis Foundation, Attleboro, Mass.
- Wheelchair Sports Federation, Middle Village, N.Y.
- Adaptive Sports & Adventures Program, Charlotte, N.C.
- SDSU Aztec Adapted Athletics, San Diego
- Wichita Adaptive Sports, Wichita, Kan.
- University of Houston, Houston
- Athletes with Disabilities Network Northeast, Wales, Penn.
- Sportable, Richmond, Va.
- OPAF & The First Clinics, Charlotte, N.C.
- MSU Adaptive Sports & Recreation Club, East Lansing, Mich.
- Northwest Wheelchair Tennis Association, West Linn, Ore.
- Count Me In, Kensington, N.H.
- Marshfield Tennis Club, Marshfield, Mass.
- City of Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo, Calif.
- Got Ability Sports, L3C, Brighton, Miss.
- HSC Community Services, Inc., New Britain, Conn.
- City of Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
- USTA Florida Tennis Management, Orlando, Fla.
- South Shore YMCA, Norwell, Mass.
- Columbus Regional Tennis Association, Columbus, Ga.
- University of Louisville, Louisville, Ken.
- New York Junior Tennis & Learning, Woodside, N.Y.
- QCA Adaptive Sports Association, Davenport, Iowa
- Sanford Physical Medicine and Rehab, Sioux Falls, S.D.
- Southern California Tennis Association, Los Angeles
- Arizona Disabled Sports, Mesa, Ariz.
- Rome Tennis Center at Berry College, Rome, Ga.
- Paula G. Manship YMCA/Lamar Tennis Center, Baton Rouge, La.
- Winderemere Racquet Club, Blythewood, S.C.
- USTA Caribbean Tennis Association, San Juan, P.R.
- Mid-Carolina Tennis Association, Rock Hill, S.C.
- Kidz Fitness Solutionz, LaPlace, La.
- Centre Court Athletic Club/Hanover Park Park District, Hanover Park, Ill.
Organizations that are interested in starting a wheelchair tennis program or would like more information about wheelchair tennis can email wheelchairinfo@usta.com.