Tennis is a perfect way to get into or stay in shape in warm springtime sunshine, so say tennis players, pros and enthusiasts taking up the sport.
Jane Gamble, president of the U.S. Tennis Association in Kentucky and a Paducah resident, extolled the benefits of her preferred sport at a recent tennis clinic for Easter Seals adults and children at Nobel Park.
“Tennis is a sport one can play for a lifetime, from 4 to 94,” Gamble said. “It’s healthy, promotes movement, and is fun. If you play in the park, it’s very inexpensive. Tennis provides cardiovascular training, promotes hand-eye coordination, improves footwork and is both heart and mind healthy.”
Laura Grumley of the Paducah Charity League said the clinic is part of her organization’s plan to conduct a fundraising tennis tournament on June 10-11. At the tournament’s end, four Easter Seals adult clients and four youth clients will compete in a doubles exhibition match. Grumley said the Charity League and USTA collaborated to teach the clients fundamental tennis skills. The tournament is open to all players for a $50 entry fee. Tournament play is in round robin doubles format. All proceeds go to Easter Seals.
Danny Carroll, director of Easter Seals West Kentucky, said his group is focusing on physical fitness for clients with mental, intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“Tennis is good exercise, and is a sport that offers anyone a lot of opportunities to play,” Carroll said. “We’re trying to focus on health and expose our members to new experiences. Our goal is to promote equal opportunities in the community and stress participation at any level our members can. We want to include as many individuals as possible.”
Eddie Harris of Paducah, an adult Easter Seals member, attended the clinic to brush up on his tennis skills, which included a forehand with a wicked spin. He plans to play in the June exhibition, he said.
“I love tennis and hitting the ball,” Harris said. “I’ve played before. Oh yeah, it’s good exercise.”
For more information, or to register for the tournament or donate, contact Amy Brazzell at 270-994-8172 or email abrazzell@4rbh.org.
Contact Alan Reed, a Paducah Sun staff writer, at 270-575-8658.
