30 May 2014 | Tennis SA

Tennis SA is proud to support Wheelchair Tennis at the Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre and the Walk and Roll Tournament

Wheelchair Tennis commenced at Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre nearly three years ago and was the culmination of work done by Tennis SA’s Senior Community Tennis Officer, Anne-Marie Handke as well as key staff at Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre.

Working with the Centre, Anne Marie arranged for state wheelchair tennis Coach, Martin Richards to enthusiastically assist in setting up a wheelchair tennis program which is part of the rehabilitation program at Hampstead.

Initially take-up of the program was slow, and although the tennis session was considered as part of the clients/patients rehabilitation programme especially for a person with a spinal cord injury, some therapists preferred to provide their own treatment. After much work internally it was suggested that the therapists come along to the tennis sessions with their clients to see how the program works leading to inpatients, outpatients and members of the sporting community joining in.

Feedback from Mr George Dunstan, A.M. Senior Physical Educator has been incredibly positive.

“From my personal point of view, I see tennis as an ideal opportunity to have fun and enjoy one’s self away from what can be arduous and boring therapy.

One other highlight is the number and variety of staff who have attended – Medical staff, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists even Social Workers and Nursing staff. Many clients are much better than the staff at pushing the wheelchairs, and this gives the staff a wonderful view of what some clients go through sitting in a wheelchair”, said Mr Dunstan.

We would also like to acknowledge the fantastic support of this program by Disability Recreation and Sport and in particular, Sports Development Officer, Jacob Gracey, who has worked hard with us and Hampstead to make this program such a success.

On Tuesday, 27 May the second Walk and Roll Tennis Tournament was held and again was a great success with 12 couples taking part. The Walk and Roll event is a format that provides an opportunity for anyone who has a physical disability to play in a fun tournament. Participants with a physical disability play doubles with an able body person – teaming up with a family member or a friend and take on a new concept of wheelchair tennis.