Wheelchair Tennis News!

2008 Collegiate Wheelchair Regional Championships
Grand Valley State University and The University of Arizona competed in Louisville, Kentucky for the 2008 Regional Collegiate Wheelchair Championships.  The Collegiate Wheelchair Championships held on February 16th & 17th, a USTA Kentucky and ITA event was hosted by Bellarmine University. Seven outstanding athletes competed in five different divisions.

Battle of the Sexes Champions
Eric Daniels and Bryan Wilkinson

What is Wheelchair Tennis?
Tennis is one of most challenging and rewarding of all wheelchair sports. To meet this challenge, USTA Kentucky offers tennis programs specifically designed for the wheelchair player.  The rules for wheelchair tennis are the same with the only exception being the wheelchair player is allowed two bounces of the ball. In addition, a special wheelchair is used for tennis and is sometimes available through the USTA Kentucky Wheelchair Tennis Program.

Who can play Wheelchair Tennis?
A wheelchair tennis player must have a medically diagnosed, mobility-related disability, with a substantial or total loss of function in one or more extremities.

What are the benefits to playing Wheelchair Tennis?
A wheelchair tennis player must master the game of tennis and incorporate the mobility use of the wheelchair. Learning mobility on the court is exciting and challenging and helps build strength, cardiovascular ability, and self-esteem.   Wheelchair tennis provides a person with a physical challenge the opportunity to play tennis with in all USTA programs and tournaments. It  adds to socialization and the normalization of those with disabilities and is lots of fun!

"It’s my game, I rise to the challenge;
It’s my game, a game for everyone;
Only my ability counts, not my inability;
Wheelchair Tennis, It’s my game."
-David Hartsek

Contact your local Wheelchair Certified Teaching Pro:

Lexington – David Hartsek – USPTA
Louisville – Jannine Soldan – USPTA
Louisville – Judith Petty – USPTA & PTR
Louisville – Meg Peavy - PTR
Northern KY – Manny Iglesias (website) or phone 859-283-5331 - PTR

How To Start A Wheelchiar Tennis Program

How To Stage A Wheelchiar Tennis Event

USPTA Wheelchair Tennis Lessons Online

Get Involved with Wheelchair Tennis!

Interested in becoming involved with wheelchair tennis in Kentucky? There are lots of ways to contribute!

• Become a 2009 Sponsor of the USTA Kentucky Wheelchair Tennis Program  

• Committee Members – attend quarterly meetings, plan programs

• Camp Volunteers – TBA, assist instructors at tennis camps

• Tournament Volunteers –  assist players, ball person

• Fund Raising – assist committee in raising funds for the camps/programs/tournament

• Email David Hartsek for more information