The Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department’s (MDPR) Disability Services division has teamed up with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Florida Section to offer junior wheelchair tennis for children age 8 and up who use wheelchairs.
The wheelchair program will be utilizing the “QuickStart” Tennis play format, using softer balls, shorter courts and lighter rackets for the participants.
The program kicks off on Apr. 9 and will take place every Saturday, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the Tamiami Tennis Center in Tamiami Park, 11201 SW 24 St.
“Sports partners such as the USTA Florida, are vital to Miami-Dade Parks’ efforts to provide fun and inclusive recreational opportunities for children with disabilities in our community,” said Lucy Binhack, MDPR Disability Services manager. “Accessible sports programs, such as our Junior Wheelchair Tennis program, give children who use wheelchairs the tools and motivation to achieve their own personal best, resulting in improved health, fitness and self-esteem.”
The Junior Wheelchair Tennis program was made possible through USTA Florida’s “Share the Love” grant initiative. The Junior Wheelchair Tennis program provides tennis lessons and sports equipment to children who use wheelchairs, so they can participate in this sport.
MDPR is a Paralympic Sport Club and Blaze Sports Club. Paralympics and Blaze Sports are national organizations that promote sports development for athletes with physical and visual disabilities of all ages at recreational to competitive levels.
The cost for the Junior Wheelchair Tennis program is $40 per session, which includes eight tennis lessons. Scholarships are available through the Leisure Access Foundation. For more information call 305-365-6706. For information about MDPR call 3-1-1 or visit online at www.miamidade.gov/parks.
