Special Pops Spring Tennis Event

The Rotary Club of Alpharetta not only funded a grant to helps cover the cost of the Special Pops spring training academy and t-shirts for the March Round Robin. Our members also participate as partners in the matches with the Special Pops tennis players. The Special Pops program introduces people with intellectual disabilities (“athletes”) to the lifetime sport of tennis; to promote fitness and nutrition education; to foster positive social relationships between peers and between athletes and volunteers; to have fun with new friends and old!

Special Pops Tennis was founded in 2005 by a small group of avid like-minded tennis players who recognized the potential the game of tennis offers to enrich the lives of people with intellectual disabilities both on and off the tennis court. A grass roots organization, all services are provided by volunteers who serve as instructors, coaches, partners, chaperones, umpires and mentors. We are committed to our vision of inclusion by providing every person with an intellectual disability the opportunity to reap the many benefits of participating in a lifetime sport.

“The game they teach is tennis, but the lessons learned are real life.” Special Pops strives to build life skills through instruction, competitive play, social interaction, nutrition and fitness education. They provide tennis instruction, free of charge, from beginning skills to advanced competitive play at 14 locations in 8 metro Atlanta counties, league play, and tournament competition.

Special Pops Tennis

Rotarian Jack Hausmann and his Special Pops Partner getting ready for the next volley.

2015-03-08 11.43.25.jpg

2015-03-08 11.43.25.jpg

Special Pops Tennis

Players setting up for the next round.

2015-03-08 11.47.18.jpg

2015-03-08 11.47.18.jpg

Special Pops Tennis

Fans of all ages enjoyed the event.

2015-03-08 09.36.10.jpg

2015-03-08 09.36.10.jpg

Special Pops Tennis

Great Team Work!

2015-03-08 11.28.28.jpg

2015-03-08 11.28.28.jpg