Grand Valley State University Hosts First Adaptive Tennis Game for Recreation and Wellness Department

Grand Valley State University’s Recreation and Wellness department recently made history by hosting the first adaptive tennis game on campus. The event, which took place at the beginning of the month, provided an opportunity for both individuals with disabilities and able-bodied athletes to come together and participate in a unique sporting experience.

Wheelchair tennis, a variation of the traditional sport with only a few rule differences, allowed participants to showcase their skills and compete in a socially inclusive environment. One of the main distinctions in wheelchair tennis is the option to let the ball bounce twice instead of just once, making it accessible for individuals in wheelchairs to fully engage in the game.

The Recreation and Wellness department at GVSU is dedicated to creating an accommodating environment for individuals with disabilities to engage in recreational activities on campus. In addition to wheelchair tennis, the department offers a variety of adaptive sports such as wheelchair football, wheelchair basketball, and goalball.

Adaptive Sports Supervisor Samantha LaMantia emphasized the benefits of participating in these events, stating that it provides a unique opportunity for individuals to learn new sports and gain a different perspective. The recent adaptive tennis game saw a good turnout, with participants receiving instruction on wheelchair control and gameplay before engaging in friendly matches.

The success of the adaptive tennis event has paved the way for future adaptive sporting events at GVSU, with wheelchair basketball scheduled to take place on April 14th at 7 p.m. The program aims to continue fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where individuals of all abilities can come together to enjoy the thrill of sports.