ABOUT US
Special Populations Tennis Program, Inc. (Special Pops) is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization that offers an adaptive tennis program specifically designed to share the lifetime sport of tennis with children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Programs offered free of charge to all skill levels, including those who have never played, include year-round tennis instruction, league play and tournament competition.
An equally important aspect of our program is the opportunity it offers these special athletes to build their self-confidence and life skills through social interaction with each other and the many dedicated volunteers who run our programs.
Based in the metropolitan Atlanta area, Special Pops is a registered Community Tennis Association of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and is recognized by USTA Georgia as the primary CTA in Georgia for teaching tennis and training coaches to teach tennis to players with special needs. We are also an accredited agency of Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) and the only tennis training arm for many local SOGA-accredited agencies.
Special Pops Tennis Overview Video
History
The seeds for serving this population were germinated in the early 1990s by a group of tennis enthusiasts with a passion for serving others and a love for the game of tennis that is bonded by a respect for both. The union of these passionate volunteers and equally passionate sports enthusiasts from the Special Olympics Georgia organization gave birth to Special Pops as a stand-alone nonprofit in 2005.
Mission
Enriching the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities through the lifetime sport of tennis.
Accreditations
Registered Community Tennis Association (CTA) of the United States Tennis Association (USTA)
Accredited agency for Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA)
Executive Director Jim Hamm serves as Chairman of the USTA Southern Section’s Special Populations Sub-Committee
Executive Director Jim Hamm serves as a member of the Special Olympics North America Development Committee
Member of Georgia Center for Nonprofits
Recognition
Recipient of USTA Adaptive Tennis National Community Service Award
Recognized by USTA Georgia as the primary CTA in Georgia for teaching tennis and training coaches to teach special needs tennis players
Named Community Tennis Association of the Year in 2008 by USTA Georgia
Recipient of Special Olympics Georgia Distinguished Service Award as the Outstanding Program of the Year in 2008
Member of Georgia Center for Nonprofits
Executive Director named as recipient of the 2006 USTA Southern Section Adaptive Tennis Community Service award
FAQ’s
Athletes & Family Members | Volunteers | Sponsors & Supporters
Athletes
My child with special needs has never played tennis! Can he/she participate?
Yes. While there are some eligibility requirements, the primary qualification for an Athlete is age (minimum age 6) and disability (intellectual disability). Skill level and equipment are not requirements to become a Special Pops tennis player or volunteer. Click now to learn more about our programs.
Are there any fees to participate?
No. All training and equipment (rackets, balls, instructional services, and court time) are provided free of charge. Many area tennis players generously donate their previously owned rackets for distribution at no charge to our Athletes. Fees may be incurred for participation in a tournament or special event.
My child with special needs is in a wheelchair and non-communicative. Can he/she participate?
Yes. If the age and disability requirements are met, then the physical disability is not an issue. A “court-friendly” wheelchair is required to enable movement during the training session and prevent damage to the tennis courts. Please contact us regarding your site choice to confirm and specific local guidelines or regulations for wheelchair use and access.
Does my child have to compete in tournaments to participate in your training?
No. Participation by an Athlete beyond the training is strictly optional. Athletes participate in our training for various reasons. Some participate just to learn the sport while others want to be with their friends. All children and adults with intellectual disabilities are welcome to come and join in the fun! We do ask that the Athlete is engaged in the activity being taught at the practice session. Wandering is discouraged to prevent injury to the Athletes.
Volunteers
I can only volunteer at certain times of the year. How can I let you know when I am available?
The best method is to register on the website as a volunteer. Then review our Tennis Programs, Locations, and Calendar to determine the best place and time of year for you to volunteer. Periodically we e-mail our registered volunteers regarding upcoming volunteer opportunities. Most programs also ask for a weekly confirmation if you plan to attend. This helps the site coordinator to properly pre-plan for the session. Please be sure to sign-up to receive our periodic e-mails and newsletters to stay connected.
I am not a tennis player and never played the game. Can you still use me as a volunteer?
Yes. We have tasks at all our tennis events that require off-court assistance. We encourage all persons interested in getting involved to come out and join us. At times we have committee activities that occur behind the scenes to make the experience more meaningful. So, check us out! There is a place for you! Learn more here.
Is there a minimum age to be a volunteer?
Yes. For the safety of our Athletes and volunteers we require that any person under the age of 10 be accompanied by an adult when performing volunteer tasks. This is especially true for on-court activities where the performance and knowledge of the volunteer can impact the Athlete’s overall tennis experience. See our Volunteer page for more information.
My tennis team would like to get involved at one of your existing sites. What do we need to do?
Please Contact Us indicating the type of involvement you seek. A Special Pops Tennis representative will contact you to discuss opportunities for your tennis team to get involved.
How do I become a certified Special Olympics Tennis Coach?
To become a certified coach, you must first attend a Coach’s Clinic. Go to our Calendar for dates. You may also contact your site coordinator to inform her/him of your interest in becoming a certified coach.
I would like to start a tennis program at my tennis center. How can I make that happen?
Contact Us and let us know the type of program you are interested in starting at your tennis center. A Special Pops Tennis representative will contact you to discuss your interest and the process in expanding the adaptive tennis opportunities in your community.
If I register on your website, will you make my information available to any other sources?
No. We respect your willingness to provide Special Pops Tennis with your contact information. The Board of Directors is committed to treating your information with complete confidentiality.
Sponsors and Supporters
I have a community group that I would like to inform of your programs. Do you have information that I could give to them?
Absolutely. Informational materials explaining our programs are readily available for your use. If you would like a Special Pops Tennis representative to attend your meeting, just let us know when and where. We always appreciate the opportunity to tell our story! Contact us to request our presentation and arrange for someone to visit with you in-person or virtually. Send an email to serve@specialpopstennis.org or call (404) 702-5820.
What are the sponsorship opportunities with Special Pops Tennis?
We are so glad you asked. We have lots of different sponsorship opportunities for every budget size. Click now to learn more about our sponsorship opportunities. We’re more than happy to answer your questions. Just send an email to serve@specialpopstennis.org or call (404) 702-5820.
Do you need in-kind donations?
YES! We need them and are forever grateful for everything from signage and t-shirt printing to energy bars and sport drinks. Click now for more specific details on sponsorship page.