Competition and confidence are among the values promoted by a unique sport offering now available locally.
Tennis People, Inc. hosted its first Tennis Fun Day April 16 at Richard Craig Park in McDonough.
The group was established on December 1, 2020 to provide recreational opportunities for the local special-needs community, said its President, Bonnie Wainwright.
“Tennis People, Inc. is a non-profit organization designed to give adults and children with intellectual disabilities a weekly opportunity to play tennis year-round,” she said. “This includes instruction, drills, practice, league play and competitive tournaments locally and statewide.”
Photo by Seth Jackson
The organization currently includes 22 players ranging from ages 17 to 52. Tennis People offers its program to the community at no charge for all skill levels, including individuals who have never played tennis before.
This, said Wainwright, is not the only benefit for those who take part in the program.
“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 program,” she said.
During the Fun Day event, a local tennis professional was on hand to interact and share his expertise with group members. As part of the festivities, a representative from the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association also presented a $3,200 check from the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association for Tennis People’s fledgling program.
Wainwright said the funds will go toward the purchase of tennis equipment to improve and grow the program in Henry County.
She expressed her gratitude for everyone who has helped to launch the program.
“We have been so blessed with so many people that have supported our program financially, and for all the volunteers from our tennis community that are giving of their time and money to grow our program,” said Wainwright. “We could not do it without them.”
For more information, call Bonnie Wainwright at 678-410-4859.
