Longtime tennis teaching professional Bill Sanis had an idea, and Chuck Gill, the director of the Wellington Tennis Center, was a willing listener.
“I was approached by a friend who said that there was a good tennis program for children with autism,” Sanis explained. “I’ve been teaching tennis for more than 50 years, and I have never taught tennis to anyone who is autistic, but I thought it was a good idea to pursue.”
Sanis then called Gill. Sanis talked, and Gill listened. Then, Gill thought about it for a while, and he gave the idea his blessing and support. That was a few months ago.
Since then, Gill and his team met, strategized and set up a beginner program for children on the autism spectrum. This initiative is now a reality serving children ages 8 to 14 as part of the Love Serving Autism organization, which operates similar programs at other tennis facilities.
The participants are learning how to play tennis at the Wellington Tennis Center, and Sanis is a member of the faculty providing the instruction.
“We meet on Saturdays at noon and play for an hour,” said Sanis, who is joined by two other teaching pros. “We have access to two courts.”
Sanis is delighted at the response from the youngsters. They are learning the sport quite well and having a great time.
“We are teaching them how to hit forehands, backhands, volleys and serves, but we also teach them how to properly grip the tennis racquet,” Sanis said. “They are enjoying the experience and having fun. They are laughing and learning, and they are good at listening to our instruction. They are very well coordinated on the tennis court. Because of tennis, they are changed kids.”
In many respects, when Sanis walks off the court after an hour of providing instruction, he feels as if he has gained more from the experience than the participants.
“I just walk off the court with my heart pounding with pride,” Sanis said. “I really am enjoying seeing how they are having fun playing tennis.”
The great thing about this program is that the children don’t need to own a tennis racquet in order to participate.
“We provide the venue, tennis racquets and tennis balls,” Sanis said.
In addition to the staff and children having a good time, parents are pleased, too.
“My son Gerard absolutely loves playing tennis through Love Serving Autism,” Laura Cooney of Wellington said. “This program has helped him gain confidence in playing sports and gives him a sense of accomplishment being part of a team.”
The program is conducted in a series of five weekly sessions and is expected to be held throughout the year, as long as there remains local interest.
Anyone interested in more details about the Love Serving Autism program at the Wellington Tennis Center should call Gill and his staff at (561) 791-4775. The Wellington Tennis Center is located at 3100 Lyons Road.
Learn more about the Love Serving Autism organization at www.loveservingautism.org.
