We're proud to announce that 4th annual S.P.U.D. Tournament (Special Populations Unified Doubles), sponsored by Tennis Nashville, has won the USPTA event of the year!
This event is one of a growing number of “tournaments” providing additional opportunities for athletes with Special Needs to participate in competitive tennis with an able-bodies partner. Each event is ready to accommodate players of varying abilities utilizing Red(36), Orange(60’) and primarily Green Dot(78’)
It is a chance for players with special needs to travel, play, enjoy new acquaintances and overall have fun! Further a “Skills & Thrills” event is held in conjunction for those athletes nor ready to play points per say. These athletes have their own competition and are paired with an able bodied “monitor” for a chance at winning a variety Pykosh of events.
From a humble 4-5 participants, 5 years ago , this year’s event had an impressive turnout of 27 athletes and 55 volunteers...OUTSTANDING! Funding was possible through generous donations, discounts and a grant from the USTA-TN Outreach Committee. Besides the on-court goings on, each athlete and their partner/mentor, received a Goody Bag and were treated to a pizza party and awards ceremony at the end. The 2019 attendance was over 150 people.
Preparations for the S.P.U.D. tournament begins within the 4-person committee (Trish Smith, Hugh Daniel, Thom Druffel, Mike Hurley) in January each year, when a date and location are agreed upon. Thereafter, monthly meetings focus on securing Adaptive Athletes, recruiting volunteers and, of course, fund-raising.
Planning for the 5th Annual S.P.U.D. event will begin in early spring of 2020.
