Mobile fast becoming center for wheelchair tennis | Alabama News

The wheelchair tennis program in Mobile is new, but it is ambitious.

It’s a clinic for those wanting to play wheelchair tennis and for those wanting to coach it. It also provides daily access for wheelchair athletes.

There are efforts to organize a sanctioned national wheelchair tournament in Mobile, possibly in September.

The Mobile Tennis Center (MTC) is partnering with the United States Tennis Association-Southern to expand the sport of wheelchair tennis.

Wheelchair-bound Alabamians can compete with others in a fun and healthy sport.

On Friday, June 7, the Mobile Tennis Center will conduct two wheelchair tennis programs. From 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., the Providers Workshop is for those interested in learning how to teach the sport of wheelchair tennis. Sign up for it by clicking here.

The Wheelchair Tennis Clinic from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. is for those who want to learn to play. Sign up for it by clicking here. 

The clinics are free, and chairs and equipment can be provided for those who need them.

Whether you’re a player or a coach, come to one of these clinics and learn the ropes of this new dynamic and inclusive sport.

All are invited to join. Experience and ability are not required.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=https://youtu.be/RfhytGetQ_g

MTC has two courts set aside for daily wheelchair tennis. More courts can be opened if other courts are not already in use.

Mobile native DeQuel Robinson is one of the founders of the wheelchair tennis program in Mobile. He earned a degree from the University of Alabama and played wheelchair tennis there, helping the Tide to two national championships. He then played professionally in France. 

He returned to Alabama to work with the City of Mobile Parks and Recreation Department. He then started AdaptFocus, a nonprofit that works to empower Alabamians with ambulatory and physical disabilities through athletics, fitness and recreational programs. Details here.

Robinson worked with the MTC staff to start the program in the fall of 2023, with support from AdaptFocus and USTA Southern.

One additional goal of Mobile’s Wheelchair Tennis Program is to become a model for other Alabama towns to start a similar program at their tennis centers.

Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler’s beat is the colorful and positive about Alabama. He writes about Alabama people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.

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