Touch of Tennis Celebrates 20 Years of Fun for Special Needs Individuals
**Due to unforeseen circumstances, Touch of Tennis is postponed and will not begin on June 26. More information will be given out at a later date.**
Now celebrating its 20th year, Touch of Tennis, a nationally-awarded tennis camp for special needs individuals, will kick off its 2019 season at Gwynedd Mercy University on Wednesday, June 26.
Created by GMercyU Women's Tennis Head Coach, Jim Holt, Touch of Tennis is completely free and provides special-needs athletes with the equipment, instruction, and support for a night full of fun and fitness. The tennis clinic is open to any individual with special needs and offers them hands-on tennis instruction as well as tennis related games. Beginning on Wednesday, June 26, the clinic will run every Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. for six weeks.
With his background as a Special Education teacher, Jim started the Touch of Tennis program to address the lack of athletic activities available for athletes with special needs. The camp has given him the opportunity to combine his enthusiasm for tennis and his commitment to those with special needs. Along with a few key instructors, Jim has undergone additional training in techniques generally used to help young children learn to play in order to provide a fun and encouraging environment.
The program is wildly successful every year, drawing athletes and volunteers from more than 20 towns in Montgomery, Bucks, and Delaware County. In fact, many of GMercyU's own tennis players and coaching staff volunteer every summer to provide an engaging and inclusive experience for all participants.
If you or someone you know is interested in participating or volunteering with Touch of Tennis, be sure to fill out this registration form. Additionally, any participants who are in need a of a racquet can be loaned one for the clinic.
For more information about Touch of Tennis, as well as weather-related updates, please check out the blog or Facebook Page. Any cancellations due to ran or heat will be posted no later than 5:00 p.m. the day of the clinic.
Donations are always appreciated, whether they are monetary or equipment. If you would like to support the Touch of Tennis efforts, please email touchoftennis@gmail.com.