By Steve
Kappes, special to USTA.com.
The camp
was an outgrowth of an ongoing local program established in 2009 that has
provided over 100 free tennis-based rehabilitation clinics to over 500 wounded,
ill, and injured service members from across the country who have received care
at Naval Medical Center San Diego. It has been recognized at the highest
levels of the Department of Defense for its excellence and impact, and has
become the model for similar adaptive tennis programs that have been established
at other military medical centers and warrior transition units across the
country.
During
the camp, 40 wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans from all
the military branches, along with caregivers, participated in 16 hours of
tennis instruction and friendly competitions designed to improve their physical
and emotional well-being. Group evening activities provided additional
opportunities for socializing, camaraderie, and re-integration into the
community.
The
participants came from 18 states, as far away as New York and Florida, and
ranged in age from 22 to 65. Over 70% had served in Iraq and/or
Afghanistan, and a few had served in Vietnam. Their injuries were diverse,
from double amputees to those which are invisible.
The positive
feedback from the participants has been overwhelming, many commenting that
tennis is changing their lives for the better, and in some cases, has saved
their lives. In addition, Rear Admiral Forrest Faison, the Commander of
Naval Medical Center San Diego, received a report on the camp, and responded,
"Thank
you for the truly outstanding support you provide our Wounded Warriors and
their families. I’m so pleased the camp was a success and greatly
appreciate all the hard work and effort your team put into making that
happen. Again, thank you so very much."
Grant
funding for this program was awarded by U.S. Paralympics, a division of the
U.S. Olympic Committee, through funding provided by Veterans Affairs. The
grants are provided to facilitate the growth of Paralympic-sport programming
for disabled Veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces. The United
States Tennis Association’s national charitable foundation, USTA Serves, also
awarded a grant of $10,000. Dozens of local businesses, community support
organizations and recreational tennis players provided additional financial and
in-kind donations. As a result, all the participants’ costs were covered,
including airfare, lodging, meals, local transportation, tennis equipment,
social events, and incidentals.
The San
Diego District Tennis Association and Balboa Tennis Club are grateful for the
opportunity to support our nation’s heroes and their families through tennis,
and sincerely appreciate the many contributions that make it possible.
***
The USTA
has developed a database of Adaptive Tennis Programs with the purpose of
connecting tennis players with the programs available to meet their tennis
needs. Stay informed about grants, events, awards and more. View the complete list
of registered programs. If you do not see your program, register now for free.
The USTA
National Adaptive Tennis Committee would like to know more about your programs,
people and events. This gives recognition to the great work you’re doing and
inspires others to provide similar services. Contact us now!
Best,
Joyce
Dreslin,
USTA
Adaptive Tennis Committee, Spotlight Project Team Leader
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