Free, eight-week tennis program officially opens registration for people with special needs

August 08, 2018 (ATLANTA) – Today, Special Pops Tennis – an organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through tennis – announces the opening of fall academies throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area. The free, eight-week tennis program offers special needs children and adults the opportunity to get active, develop social skills with other players and learn how to play tennis.

“Tennis helps me work well with others and practice my manners,” said Tyler Luciani, a Special Pops Tennis player. “Getting on the court allows me to leave everything behind and focus on simply hitting the ball. I love tennis and my tennis family!”

The following facilities will offer academies throughout the week all throughout Atlanta:

  • Brenau Uiversity
  • DeKalb Tennis Center
  • East Roswell Park
  • Lassiter High School
  • Life Time (Peacthree Corners)
  • Sandy Springs Tennis Center

“At Special Pops Tennis, we provide players with an intellectual disability the opportunity to discover the love and value of tennis,” said Special Pops Tennis Executive Director Jim Hamm. “As a coach for multiple decades, it’s been extraordinarily rewarding to watch some of our players compete and meet new friends around the world through the sport of tennis.”

Special Pops Tennis is now accepting volunteers, which includes coaches and volunteers. Prior tennis experience and working knowledge of intellectual disabilities are two of the factors that are most valuable in becoming a coach.  But passion for the sport of tennis and the population we serve are found to allow for deeper engagement and interest in building a long-term relationship in whatever leadership position is preferred.

To learn more about Special Pops Tennis, including register an athlete or become a volunteer visit specialpopstennis.org.