USTA News

Abilities Expo 2011 Showcases Tennis

Taking the Dis out of Disability and creating Ability

The Expo is the one show dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities, senior citizens, their families, and caregivers, as well as providing education for health care and disability professionals.

One of the most popular events this year was the wheelchair tennis demonstration--and the reason was Anthony Lara's amazing personality.  Anthony zipped around the sizable "court" explaining how the game is played, how the chair is maneuvered, all the while entertaining the audience. 

Here's a picture of Anthony with one of his new friends.

The demonstration was so popular that Anthony had to announce that it was starting and to clear the court to give the players room!  The kids just wanted to keep playing.

Tracey Milne, !MPACT Adaptive Sports organized the demo and brought out pop up nets and foam balls which made it easy to rally and play -- and easy is fun. 

Having a demonstration at an event like this really makes sense since The Expo is all about new experiences.  Power soccer, kayaking, road racing, dancing, dramatic performances, exercises and fitness-- all were part of the Expo which shows the variety of activities there are available.

NorCal's Sharon Kelleher  helped out on court, and the NorCal wheelchair committee was also on hand to lend their support.  Many thanks to Sarah Galbraith Laucks, in charge of the events. She arranged for the space and microphone for Anthony to use.

Support wheelchair tennis with an event at your club or facility.  Just contact Marian Thomson:   thomson@norcal.usta.com. 

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