Tennis Briefs: ATP Delray Needs Ball Kids; More

City of Ft. Lauderdale Receives USTA Wheelchair Tennis Grant

The City of Fort Lauderdale Parks & Recreation was part of a record $86,000 in USTA Wheelchair Tennis Grassroots Grants to 20 wheelchair tennis programs nationwide, the USTA national body announced this week.

Grants were awarded to local organizations that promote and develop the growth of wheelchair tennis and use the sport of tennis to build stronger, healthier communities. Since the inaugural grants in 2008, the total pool of USTA wheelchair tennis grant money has increased each year, with 2014 being the year with the largest amount granted to wheelchair programming by the USTA.

The City of Fort Lauderdale Parks & Recreation currently offers a Wednesday night program introducing wheelchair tennis to players at the George English Tennis Center, with eight specialized adult sport wheelchairs available for use. For more info go to www.fortlauderdale.gov.

“Wheelchair tennis continues to grow in the United States and the USTA is delighted to award a record amount of wheelchair tennis grassroots grants to deserving wheelchair tennis organizations for their commitment in promoting and growing the sport,” USTA National Manager, Wheelchair Tennis, Dan James. “These organizations positively impact wheelchair tennis players and these grants are just a part of the continued effort in implementing programs that support the wheelchair community through tennis, and foster growth and achievement in individual players.”

Additional USTA Wheelchair Tennis Grant opportunities will be announced in 2015. Organizations that are interested in starting a wheelchair tennis program or would like more information about wheelchair tennis can email wheelchairinfo@usta.com.

Delray Beach ATP Event Searching for Ball Kids

The Delray Beach Open by The Venetian Las Vegas is looking for ball kids for its 2015 event, coming up Feb. 13-22 at the Delray Beach Stadium & Tennis Center.

Ball Kids must be 12 years old and are required to attend training sessions and work at least three sessions during the 17-session 10-day ATP event. Each participant receives uniforms, meals during working sessions, match tickets for families and friends, and are invited to the popular Ball Kids Party.

Training dates are scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 28 (5-7 p.m.), Wednesday, Feb. 4 (5-7 p.m.) and Saturday, Feb. 7 (10 a.m.-noon). New applicants must attend two of the three sessions.

All ball kids information, including an application and release form, can be found at www.YellowTennisBall.com/ballkids