We are delighted to announce that last week the Ferntree Gully Tennis Club was awarded the Peter Norman Award for Inclusion at the Vicsport Awards in recognition of the innovative all abilities tennis coaching program launched earlier this year.
“This is great recognition not only for our club but for grassroots tennis and the benefits it brings to everyone who plays the game. Our biggest reward is the smiles on the faces of our All Abilities athletes during the program and the positive feedback from their families and carers.” Paul Proctor, FTGTC President
This program is designed to encourage people living with a disability access to tennis and has the ongoing support from Tennis Victoria, Special Olympics Australia (Eastern Ranges), Vicsport, NDIS, and the Knox Leisure team.
The all-abilities coaching program offers a fun, active, inclusive program to encourage participants to learn to play tennis and also make new friends, and integrate into the tennis club.
Participants are given free equipment packs with a T-shirts, cap and, anyone who hasn’t played before will be given a racquet to play with.
This pilot program has already seen a strong response from the community and it is hoped that Tennis Vic will promote it to other tennis clubs to incorporate into their coaching programs.
Weekly all abilities tennis program are held at the tennis club on Thursdays, 5.15pm to 6.15pm with coach, Jake Mutton.
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