For 2024, two Midwest organizations were recently named the recipients of the Robert P. and Barbara D. Harris Grant: Flint Community Tennis Association and Thrive Through Tennis Foundation.
The Robert P. and Barbara D. Harris Grant is awarded to organizations seeking to start or expand tennis programming in their community. Funding is provided to develop instructional programs, organize league play for players of all ages, ability and populations, create tournament play or anything that encourages long-term growth of tennis programming in the community. To learn more about these organizations, read below for their summaries.
Flint Community Tennis Association
P O Box 320771 | Flint MI, 48532 | (517) 749-3004 | flinttennis@outlook.com
Flint CTA’s mission is to promote tennis and court sports at Kellar Park in Flint, MI, by offering programming and educational experiences for all ages and abilities to enhance wellness in Genesee County. In its second summer, Flint CTA provides a safe space for children and adults to engage in physical, social, and community activities. It was established to continue the legacy of the Flint Tennis Club, founded in 1922, by opening the courts for public use and expanding diversity among players.
Flint CTA works to ensure that all ethnic groups feel welcome, broaden the age range of participants, offer affordable lessons and equipment, and run outreach programs for newcomers to tennis. The organization also provides employment opportunities for high schoolers and supports a young adult pursuing certification as a Tennis Teaching Professional.
With a significant need for programming in the area, the CTA helps address challenges like high school tennis team attrition, a lack of city recreational programming, and the involvement of the University of Michigan’s new club team. The organization fosters a welcoming environment where adults, particularly women aged 40-60 and those recovering from disabilities, can enjoy tennis without judgment.
Through collaborations with Genesee County and USTA, Flint CTA is improving facilities and restoring community pride in Kellar Park’s clay courts. The group has seen sustainable growth and continues to appreciate USTA’s financial support and resources for building community.
Thrive Through Tennis Foundation
11923 Beckenham Road | North Royalton, OH 44133 | (216) 633-5911 | www.thrivetennis.org
At Thrive Through Tennis Foundation, it is our mission to bring the joy and therapeutic benefits of tennis to individuals and the community. Since our inception, we’ve been passionate about supporting underserved populations in Northeastern Ohio, including Adaptive and Wheelchair groups, Homeschool students, and individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
We offer a free weekly wheelchair tennis program. Through our partnership with the Recreation Therapy Department of the Louis Stokes VA, we are honored to welcome disabled veterans to participate in our program. Currently, we borrow sport-specific wheelchairs, but we hope to acquire enough chairs to meet our growing demand.
Our year-round Adaptive program runs weekly and serves children and adults with any physical, developmental, cognitive or emotional disability. We partner with local organizations like the Achievement Centers for Children, Empower Sports, the Autism Society of Greater Cleveland, and Special Olympics MBB Chapter. Our Adaptive players recently participated in the Special Olympics Regional Tournament and USTA Midwest Unified Doubles Qualifier Event.
Our Homeschool program reaches 20-30 students weekly, aged 5-14 years. The classes not only teach students tennis, but physical, technical, tactical and mental skills both on and off court. We are extremely proud to have developed a specialized tennis and fitness program for people with Parkinson’s disease. This innovative program combines tennis with fitness led by a certified Parkinson’s trainer. The blended program is helping participants boost their health, happiness and quality of life.
THRiVE stands for Tennis, Health, Results, Inspiration, Value and Education. Our programs bring these benefits to unique segments of the community. Our participants often express gratitude for the positive impact on their lives. They don’t just participate, they “thrive” from THRiVE!
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