Information: The Sport
Over the past two decades, wheelchair tennis has been one of the fastest growing and most exciting international sports for the disabled. Tennis originated in 1976 by American Brad Parks, the games has developed from recreational activity to a professional sport. The sport is played in more than 70 countries around the world.
Equipment
With the exception of a tennis racquet and balls, no other specialized equipment is required as everyday wheelchairs can be used to play. Specially designed tennis wheelchairs have been introduced to the sport giving players greater mobility, balance and speed. tennis wheelchairs are available from local wheelchair suppliers.
Rules
Wheelchair tennis follows the same rules as able-bodied tennis except that the wheelchair tennis player is allowed two bounces of the ball. Anyone can play wheelchair tennis, but only those individuals medically diagnosed with a permanent mobility related disability can participate in International Tennis Federation sanctioned wheelchair tennis tournaments.
Programs
Wheelchair tennis is played year round. Indoors in the fall/winter and outdoors in the spring/summer. We encourage men and women to join other adults, while girls and boys can participate in junior programs. There is also a quad division for individuals with mobility impairments in three or more limbs. Some clubs provide tennis racquets and some have specially designed tennis wheelchairs for you to try.
Tournaments
Over 20 Wheelchair Tennis tournaments take place in Canada each year, including National and Regional Championships and 6 satellite events. There are Open, A/B, Junior and Quad divisions for men and women.