The U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) has announced the award of a $4,000 program/project support grant to the Orthotics and Prosthetic Assistance Fund (OPAF) and First Volley Adaptive Tennis clinics. The grant is one of 38 awarded by the USTA.
According to OPAF, the grants are designed to support community organizations seeking funding to support general tennis programming and project and equipment needs. In order to qualify for the grants, an organization must be increasing tennis participation, supporting tennis programming, and fostering diversity with both participation and programming.
OPAF and First Volley Tennis provide adaptive tennis skills and drills for amputees and others with physical challenges. OPAF stated in a press release that the funding will allow the group to bring First Volley clinics to two amputee children’s camps and to the University of North Carolina-Wilmington Accessible Recreation Day.
“We are thrilled with the opportunity to take First Volley to those in need of adaptive tennis across the country,” said OPAF Executive Director Robin Burton. “The USTA recreational grant funding means that children and adults who want to try tennis and choose not to sit in a wheelchair can have quality adaptive tennis [programs] aimed directly toward them.”
Kurt Kamperman, USTA chief executive of community tennis, commented, “This investment will help organizations that are dedicated to using tennis as a vehicle to improve the quality of life and education for both children and adults alike. These organizations are committed to growing the game of tennis by implementing important local programming, such as the Quick Start Tennis play format and Jr. Team Tennis, and the USTA is proud to be able to assist them in their efforts.”
