This week the Ann Arbor CIL’s “Tennis for All” program kicked off at the University of Michigan’s Varsity Tennis Center. Fifteen participants arrived ready and excited to play tennis, and six volunteers were on-hand to make it a great experience. This all-inclusive, adaptive tennis program gives many a chance to play tennis no matter their disability, have fun, and get some exercise.

After a brief “get to know you” activity, the event kicked off, with warm ups and drills. Participants bumped tennis balls against their rackets while they got the feel of the atmosphere. Instructors Bryan Wilkinson and Glen Ashlock provided an overview of forehand and backhand strokes and before long participants hit the courts to try their hand at a variety of tennis drills. The hour and a half program went by quickly and participants were eager to sign up for next week’s session.

“For me ‘Tennis for All’ is about having fun, getting out in the public, and playing a sport that promotes exercise and friendships,” instructor Bryan Wilkinson said. “I encourage all to leave their hesitations at the door and explore the fun that can lie in playing adaptive tennis.”  Bryan is a nationally-ranked wheelchair tennis player.

Tennis for All happens every other Wednesday night. The program is scheduled to run through the end of March, and the Ann Arbor CIL hopes to extend it into the spring and summer.

For more information contact: Mary Stack, mary@aacil.org and Bryan Wilkinson, bryan@aacil.org.