Caroline Springs and Tullamarine tennis clubs participated in an inaugural all abilities week which gave players with disability an opportunity to partake in modified versions of the sport.
The initiative, which ran nationwide from 20-26 October, expanded opportunities for players through modified versions of the game including wheelchair tennis, blind and low vision tennis, intellectual disability and autism tennis, deaf and hard of hearing tennis and para-standing tennis, according to Tennis Australia.
iTennis coaching academy head coach and director Chris Singh said instructors and support workers are able to adapt activities to suit players’ needs and abilities during sessions.
“We went through a range of activities, a few games and then [players] got to chill and eat and drink later. It’s just getting them out there and getting them active,” Mr Singh said.
“The goal out of there is just to try to give them a bit more of a pathway where they can do it weekly or fortnightly…to have this as a recurring program.”
Mr Singh said the session at Caroline Springs, catered towards adults, aimed to fill a gap in all abilities programs.
“There’s a lot of stuff for kids but not as much for adults. It’s just about getting the word out there,” he said.
Mr Singh said both tennis clubs are looking for more players for future all-abilities sessions, and that Tullamarine tennis club is also looking for more members.
To get involved or to find out more, email info@itennis.net.au