Special Pops Tennis’ Adaptive Tennis Program

Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA

In Atlanta, children and adults with intellectual disabilities often face limited opportunities for physical activity and social engagement, which can hinder their confidence and sense of belonging. Special Pops Tennis, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, transforms lives by offering free, adaptive tennis programs tailored for all skill levels, including year-round instruction, league play, and tournament competition. Beyond fitness, the program fosters self-confidence and life skills through meaningful social interactions with dedicated volunteers. A $3,000 grant from Ten Thousand Reasons, applied for by Hanna Morris on behalf of Special Pops Tennis, enabled the organization to enhance its offerings, empowering intellectually disabled athletes to thrive both on and off the court.

This grant empowered Special Pops Tennis to provide:

• New equipment and training materials, ensuring accessible and high-quality tennis instruction for athletes of all abilities.

• Marketing resources to expand outreach, connecting more individuals with intellectual disabilities to the program.

• Support for facility use, creating a welcoming space for athletes to build fitness, confidence, and community through tennis.

With the support of this grant, the program has created a lasting impact, opening doors for intellectually disabled athletes to experience the transformative power of tennis, fostering confidence, community, and joy that will resonate for years to come.