Chapel Haven’s adaptive tennis clinic has been a smash success!
Chapel Haven has won a $500 grant from USTA New England in recognition and support of its adaptive tennis program promoting life skills.
Started two years ago by Chapel Haven parent, Jerry Weil, a Greenwich resident, Chapel Haven parent and an experienced tennis coach with an interest and expertise in adaptive tennis, the program has grown in popularity so much so that it has been incorporated into Chapel Haven’s education program as a year round program.
To date 39 Chapel Haven students and community members have participated and enjoyed innovative tennis instruction, fun and a warm welcome at some of the area’s top tennis venues, including the Cullman-Heyman Tennis Center at Yale and Oak Lane Tennis Center in Woodbridge.
“By making tennis accessible to a wider audience it becomes a magical vehicle to develop social communication, self-confidence and involvement in community,” says Jerry Weil “It’s a wonderful synergy of life and sport.”
Chapel Haven President Michael Storz said he is proud that the tennis clinic has been so well received. “Jerry has done an amazing job of making the sport fun and a great workout at the same time. We are lucky to have Jerry’s expertise and his incredible coaching.”
About Chapel Haven: Founded in 1972 in a house on Chapel Street, New Haven, CT, Chapel Haven is an award-winning independent living program and approved private special education school with a mission of teaching adults with cognitive disabilities and social disabilities to live independent and productive lives. Chapel Haven serves more than 250 adults (18 years of age and older) with residential and day programs. Read more at www.chapelhaven.org.
About USTA New England: USTA New England, one of 17 regional sections across the country that comprise the United States Tennis Association (USTA), is a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting and developing the growth of tennis and increasing participation in the sport in New England by offering quality recreational and competitive programs for people of all ages and abilities. For more information, visit www.ustanewengland.com.
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