Service to People With Disabilities Award: STRIDE Adaptive Sports (Northern Region)

 

 

The STRIDE Adaptive Sports tennis program is the 2021 winner of the USTA Eastern Service to People with Disabilities Award. STRIDE Adaptive Sports "levels the playing field." for any athlete regardless of disability.

 

Dave Graham Jr. runs the program with a helping hand from Dave Graham Sr. (his father) and several dedicated volunteers. In 2010 Dave was looking for a sports program for his son Luke who has Autism. After spending time in the program with Luke, Dave agreed to take it over. According to the website Dave "created a tennis

curriculum and format for individuals with disabilities (including wheelchair tennis players). The program emphasizes basic fundamental tennis skills while providing the opportunity for social interaction and a place to have fun!"

 

"The main focus of our program has always been on just having fun while learning some basic tennis skills. We also try to emphasize socializing and encouraging peers during the classes." (Dave Graham Jr.)

 


"I love volunteering for STRIDE; I have been doing this for a few years now. It is very satisfying to the kids, parents, and volunteers to witness the progression of their tennis

ability and the enjoyment the kids get from this program. It has been a pleasure to work with the Graham family, and I look forward to another great year with STRIDE!" (Justin Hsu - Volunteer).

 

"I like STRIDE. Kids seem to love the volunteers, and Dave always has fun games for the kids – they always look like they are having fun." (Nate Snider – Volunteer)

 


STRIDE offers tennis indoors and outdoors (in season) and serves stand-up and wheelchair athletes. There are currently 16 athletes enrolled in the program. The program has doubled in size since it started in 2010. 

 

Students learn the fundamentals of tennis, such as forehand, backhand, volleys, serving, through simple drills and hands-on coaching based on United States Tennis Association standards.

 

When COVID19 struck, Dave didn't let it slow him down. When indoor tennis was not an option, Dave created programming on YouTube so that the players could continue to enjoy the benefits of the tennis program. 

 


"I enjoy seeing the progress the athletes make! We've had many kids join us that could barely hold a racquet, and by the end of the season, they can hit a ball unassisted. That is very exciting and rewarding!" (Dave Graham Jr.)

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