Wheechair Tennis Camp at Hope College
This weekend, the DeWitt Tennis Center at Hope College in Holland will play host to the seventh installment of the wheelchair tennis camp organized by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Midwest Section. Supported by dedicated volunteers and coaches, this annual event will bring together 33 young participants aged between 6 and 18, including many who are stepping onto the tennis court for the very first time.
Skills Development and Unique Experiences
Thanks to grants from the USTA at both national and regional levels, coupled with contributions from local sponsors, this unique camp aims to equip athletes with essential skills such as maneuvering sports chairs. The program places a strong emphasis on improving mobility through a series of engaging drills and activities. Participants will also learn to score before concluding their sessions with a friendly mini-tournament.
Insights from Camp Director
Lynn Bender, the camp director and chair of the USTA’s Wheelchair Tennis Committee for the Midwest Section, highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting it provides a chance for children to explore a new sport while forming friendships and experiencing a typical summer camp environment with peers who share similar challenges. “We are always on the lookout for the next Paralympian—if that’s the path they want to take—or simply providing a joyful, social atmosphere for the kids,” she explained.
Equipment Donations and Support
In a generous move, the USTA Midwest will also be donating four new sports chairs worth $3,000 each during the camp. Many participants do not own these specialized chairs, often relying on older models from other programs. Bender pointed out the importance of proper equipment, likening it to wearing the right tennis shoes.
“Just like you can’t play tennis in flip flops, our kids need chairs that fit them to fully enjoy the game,” she emphasized, inviting potential donors to consider supporting future campers in acquiring sports chairs, as many families struggle with out-of-pocket expenses due to insurance limitations.
Coaching and Community
To enhance the experience, each court at the camp will feature an adult wheelchair tennis player who will assist in coaching and mentoring the young participants. The coaching team comprises both seasoned players from local wheelchair tennis programs and qualified tennis professionals who have volunteered their time for this rewarding cause. Bender proudly remarked on the growth of the camp over the past seven years, noting it continues to provide a valuable learning platform for young athletes.
Future Opportunities
This collaborative effort not only cultivates skills that may lead to opportunities in high school and collegiate level tennis but also introduces participants to the possibility of competing in the Paralympics. Bender expressed optimism for the future:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for young athletes to discover the joys of tennis, where the only deviation in rules allows for two bounces. It’s a sport that seamlessly integrates into their lives, fostering friendships and community connections.”
Join the Community
Participants hail from across the Midwest Section, with further details about upcoming camps, training sessions, and tournaments available on the USTA Midwest Section’s Wheelchair Tennis Facebook page or through usta.com/midwest.
