Tennis Australia has partnered with Special Olympics Australia to help improve access to tennis for people with intellectual disabilities and autism over the next four years from 2021-2024.<\/p>\n
The partnership aims to ensure the more than 850,000 Australians with an intellectual impairment or autism, an often-isolated community, is welcomed and offered a range of opportunities to experience the many benefits that tennis provides.<\/p>\n
The collaboration between Tennis Australia and Special Olympics Australia will focus on the following four key areas \u2026<\/p>\n
School programs and events:<\/strong>\u00a0Delivering tennis programs and events for specialist, special education units and mainstream schools for students who have intellectual disabilities and\/or autism.<\/p>\n Coach development:<\/strong>\u00a0Developing the capability of grassroots tennis coaches to enable the delivery of quality, inclusive programs.<\/p>\n Club engagement:<\/strong>\u00a0Connecting tennis clubs to the Special Olympics movement through Special Olympics Australia\u2019s Affiliate Program<\/a>.<\/p>\n Tournaments:<\/strong>\u00a0Delivering co-branded state and national tournaments and events for players with intellectual disabilities and\/or autism.<\/p>\n \u201cSport is a vital part of our Australian culture and this partnership between Tennis and Special Olympics is another way to increase access to participation and competitive opportunities for players with intellectual impairments and autism,\u201d said Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley.<\/p>\n \u201cAt Tennis we strive to be open and welcoming to all. Working with Special Olympics will help us provide more avenues for all people, and all-abilities, to play our great sport.\u201d<\/p>\n