What do an attorney from West Virginia, a business analyst from Delaware and a retired software engineer from Pennsylvania all have in common? They will be competing in the 2013 USTA Middle States Wheelchair Tennis Championships this weekend at the DuPont Country Club in Wilmington!
Mark, Janet and Kevin will join a dozen other individuals with disabilities who use wheelchairs for manuevering around the tennis court. Wheelchair tennis is a sanctioned sport governed by the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Players are allowed a second bounce (the first being in the court) while all other USTA rules apply.
Janet started hitting the ball while in her teens when she realized how much she liked sports. Although an avid Phillies fan, she desired more than being a spectator and turned to tennis. She soon learned that her “everyday” wheelchair was holding her back and finally purchased a sports chair. Sports chairs are sleek, come in fun colors and are fitted for the individual. They also are pricey – costing several thousand dollars depending on the chair.
Mark played tennis as a stand-up player prior to being injured in a car accident years ago. He has used a wheelchair now longer than he hasn’t. Being a winner or finalist in numberous tournaments, he has perfected his drop shot and still loves to charge the net and put away a shot!
Kevin enjoys playing tennis and riding his hand-cycle. He finds that the hand strength and stamina needed for long rides benefits him on the tennis court. After taking a hiatus from tennis several years ago, he decided he missed the sport too much and is now back in full “swing.”
Come see Janet, Mark, Kevin and others compete in this unique event!
2013 USTA Middle States Wheelchair Tennis Championships
Saturday, 9/28 (9:00am-2:00pm) and Sunday, 9/29 (9:00am-12noon) sponsored by:
Wheelchair Tennis Program of DE
USTA Middle States
DE Tennis Foundation
Women’s Tennis Club of New Castle County
DuPont Country Club