Free Touch of Tennis Summer Camp Set to Begin 16th Season at GMercyU

Head Women's and Men's Tennis Coach Jim Holt is bringing his acclaimed Touch of Tennis camp back to GMercyU this summer for its 16th season. The free camp brings together members of the GMercyU tennis teams, community volunteers, and athletes with special needs for a night of fun and fitness. The weekly program runs Wednesday nights from 6:30 until 7:45 p.m. for six weeks.

Jim began the program because, as a Special Education teacher himself, he knew there was a lack of athletic activities available for athletes with special needs. The camp has allowed him the opportunity to combine his enthusiasm and love of tennis and his commitment to those with special needs. He and a few key instructors have undergone additional training in techniques generally used to help young children learn to play, and have received foam balls and smaller nets to make learning the game a little easier for participants.

Members of both the women's and men's tennis teams at GMercyU, who are back-to-back conference champions and who have advanced to national tournaments. Some of his players have offered their time and expertise as volunteer coaches at the tennis camp. It's expected that there may be over 100 people on the courts each week, with as many as 70 athletes of all ages and 30 volunteers.

In 2010, he was honored with the United State Tennis Association's Adaptive Tennis Community Service Award in recognition for twelve years of serving up tennis to this very special population.

Volunteers and athletes should register before the camp begins. For information about weather issues, always check the blog or Facebook page the day of the event. The camp will be canceled if there is rain or extreme heat.

Donations, both monetary and equipment, are always welcome.

If you have any questions or would like more information about Touch of Tennis, contact Jim at holt.j@gmercyu.edu.