Listen Here
University of Findlay’s tennis host an inclusive clinic for community members of all abilities
By Kaitlyn Fisher, FisherK3@Findlay.edu
The University of Findlay tennis teams held their annual Adaptive Tennis Clinic this past January, inviting individuals with disabilities to experience the joys of tennis.
The event was developed by UF student and tennis player, Emily Hadler, who felt there was a need for inclusive tennis events in the local community.
“The closest adaptive tennis was in Toledo before we started this,” Hadler said. “So many people with disabilities around the area had never played tennis before.”
Motivated by her passion for working with individuals with disabilities, she made her vision a reality. For the past four years, the University’s tennis teams have hosted two adaptive tennis clinics each year, one in the fall and one in the spring. Hadler mentioned that many participants come back for multiple clinics, demonstrating the impacts that the event has had on the community.
“To see the joy on the kids’ faces makes it all worth it,” Hadler said. “Some people come who are nonverbal, but you don’t need words to see how much fun they are having and the joy that is on their face.”
Not only has the adaptive tennis clinic impacted on the many participants, but the University tennis players learn important lessons as well. Working with individuals with disabilities during the event helped the team build teamwork and communication skills. It also provided players with the opportunity to interact and build more connections with people who have various abilities.
“While we’re helping others, we are also team building, and so it’s a win for everyone,” said UF women’s tennis Head Coach Jeff Westmeyer.
During the event, members from the UF tennis teams work with individuals of all ages, introducing them to the game of tennis. The teams’ main focus is to make tennis more accessible to individuals with disabilities by adapting the sport to fit the needs of all participants.
To teach people more about the sport, the tennis teams incorporate a variety of fun games and activities into the clinic. They also provide support and encouragement, making the tennis courts a more welcoming environment for individuals with disabilities.
“The main goal of the event is to just get people active,” Westmeyer said.
At the clinic held this past January, participants were also treated with snacks and souvenirs provided by local businesses and organizations. Heavenly Pizza in Findlay provided fresh pizza for all participants. Additionally, thanks to a grant from the United States Tennis Association, the team was also able to purchase extra equipment and snacks as well.”
“The USTA gave us a grant so we could purchase additional equipment if we needed it, as well as some snacks and drinks for afterwards” Hadler said. “We were also able to give everyone a water bottle, towel and sweatband as little gifts for coming to the clinic.”
For the past four years, the Adaptive Tennis Clinic at UF has given more members of the community an opportunity to experience the sport. Inclusive sporting events such as this clinic demonstrate that anyone can enjoy the game, no matter what their abilities are.
“Tennis is so much more than winning the Regionals or Nationals,” Hadler said. “If you’re not using it for the greater good of others, it’s pretty much pointless.”
