During the last weekend of September, nearly 150 athletes are expected to participate in the Special Pops Tennis 2019 Fall Classic Tournament. They’ll arrive from throughout Georgia and other states — Alabama, Arkansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland — for three days of tennis, social activity and quality lodging at Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners, according to Jim Hamm, Special Pops Tennis Executive Director.
The tournament, held Friday, Sept. 27 through
Sunday, Sept. 29, features singles and doubles match play at all levels of
adaptive tennis. In addition to tennis, there are social happenings planned,
including a dinner dance and off-court games.
“Our premier event — the largest adaptive tennis tournament in the nation — is held each year at Life Time Athletic and Tennis Peachtree Corners. This will mark our 14th year of the Special Pops Tennis Fall Classic Tournament,” he said. “And we feel it is a privilege to host it in Peachtree Corners.”
Hamm is one of the founding members of Special
Pops Tennis, now in its 15th year as an approved 501(c)3 nonprofit
organization. “Our
mission is to ‘enrich the lives of children and adults through the lifetime
sport of tennis.’ While we teach the sport of tennis, we focus on the
development of life skills,” Hamm explained. “We are a grassroots organization
that relies heavily on the support of the communities where we exist.”
Some of the many business and organizations that have supported the group include Life Time Athletic and Tennis, Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners, Wesleyan School, Norcross High School and Chick-fil-A Peachtree Corners.
Community support also includes volunteers. In past years, more
than 300 volunteers have contributed their time to
ensure that the athletes enjoy a fun-filled weekend of tennis and camaraderie.
“Our
coaches, volunteers and supporters benefit greatly in that they come to serve
this deserving population and leave with making a difference in many lives
including their own,” Hamm said. “Our motto is Play Tennis; Make Friends; Live
Life. The testimonials of our participants give us an awareness that being
involved in Special Pops Tennis creates lifetime memories.”
Special Pops
Tennis is always interested in recruiting volunteers for the tournament. There
are a few requirements: a passion for the population and helping others; and
energy and full commitment to the shift and respective responsibilities. Some
on-court volunteers also need tennis skill and a good knowledge of the game.
Spectators
are encouraged to attend. “Everyone is invited to join in the fun. There is no
charge for admission,” Hamm said.
Visit specialpopstennis.org for more details
on the tournament and info on getting involved.
