Touch of Tennis returns for 18th year
Program for anyone with special needs still a hit
The 18th Annual “Touch of Tennis” program got started Wednesday June 28 at the Gwynedd Mercy University tennis courts.
The free, volunteer special needs clinic will take place every Wednesday from 6:30-7:45 p.m. through August 2.
Gwynedd Mercy’s men’s and women’s tennis coach Jim Holt Jr. is the Director and Founder of the program that is open to all ages for anyone with any special needs.
“I didn’t think there was much out there as far as adaptive tennis for people with special needs,” Holt said. “I have
“I have my masters in Special Ed. and I’m a teacher at Wordsworth Academy – a school for students that have special needs – and I said to myself, ‘I’m coaching, if anybody can start this, it’s probably me.’” — Touch of Tennis founder Jim Holt Jr.
my masters in Special Ed. and I’m a teacher at Wordsworth
Academy – a school for students that have special needs – and I said to myself, ‘I’m coaching, if anybody can start this, it’s probably me.’”
The program teaches the basics of tennis — like teaching the athletes how to stand. It’s about much more than that, however.
“It’s more than tennis,” Holt said. “Honestly, half of it is probably socialization. It gives them a social outlet. It’s really three-fold. Learn the game of tennis number one. Number two it’s a social outlet. Number three – get some exercise. Get them out there moving. Some of these kids don’t have a lot of opportunities for programs like this – especially free programs.”
The program has grown exponentially, according to Holt. It started at Hatboro-Horsham High School, moved to Upper Dublin and now is at Gwynedd Mercy. Holt said the program had 60 athletes and 26 volunteers register — but it seemed like more people on Gwynedd Mercy’s five courts for the program’s first night.
Marianne Boyd, a volunteer from North Wales, has seen the program grow. Her daughter, Sara, went to the camp when it first started and returned every year.
“Sara starts thinking about coming here in March,” Marianne said. “She wants to know the date that it’s going to start because she sees people here that she works with at a sheltered workshop, she sees people here that she only sees here every summer and it’s so much fun for her.”
The clinic draws special athletes and volunteers from all around the area — spanning about 15 different towns. People from all different age groups participate.
The experience levels of the volunteers varies. There are current and former college players, high school and middle school players and some with no tennis experience.
“I think it’s a phenomenal life experience for people that are not exposed to individuals with special needs,” Holt said. “It just gives you a totally different perspective and especially the younger people, meaning the high school kids and middle school kids.
“That age range – junior high school and high schoolers – it’s a tremendous opportunity. Also, for them, it’s a good life experience but it also looks pretty good on a resume if they’re trying to get a job or go for National Honors Society.”
Sharon Bartle is one of the volunteers. She is a Director of the program and, along with her daughter Nicole, has been helping out for eight years. Holt described Bartle as “an integral asset to the program.”
You can register for the program at www. touchoftennis.blogspot.com and email any questions to touchoftennis@gmail.com.
Any donations — monetary, equipment, etc. — are appreciated.