Programs About the Sport Originating in the United States in the 1970's, the sport of wheelchair tennis is one of the most rapidly growing wheelchair sports in the world! The sport is played from a recreational, community level, to a highly competitive international tennis circuit with tournaments in 32 countries around the world. Wheelchair tennis is played year round on indoor and outdoor courts, on public courts, in community centres and tennis clubs. All you need is a tennis racquet, tennis balls, and lots of enthusiasm! Programs and Services BC Wheelchair Sports Association and BC Wheelchair Tennis Association offer a variety of wheelchair tennis programs and services throughout the year. Lessons, clinics and workshops are held to develop players and coaches. Junior programs exist to encourage children and youth to get involved. Together with Tennis BC, a wide variety of tournament opportunities are available throughout the province. There is a national and international ranking system, and provincial and national team programs for those individuals who wish to pursue sport at the highest level. The Paralympic Games and World Team Cup competition are the dreams and goals of many elite wheelchair tennis players. Ongoing Programs There are ongoing wheelchair tennis programs in the following communities around the province: North Vancouver (Grant Connell Tennis Centre) Richmond (YY Tennis Club) Surrey (Newton Athletic Park) Victoria (Cedar Hill Recreation Centre) Kamloops (Kamloops Tennis Association) Nelson (Nelson Tennis Club) Contact Kevin Bowie for more information at 604.737.3194 or email at Kevin@bcwheelchairsports.com. Opportunities Players: Beginners to Advanced, all levels welcome Coaches: Are needed to develop programs throughout the province Officials: If you would like to train as an Official for wheelchair tennis, just let us know! Volunteers: Can work to develop the sport of wheelchair tennis in the community through athlete and coach recruitment, fundraising, and facility access. BC Wheelchair Tennis Association The BC Wheelchair Tennis Association (BCWTA) is a nonprofit organization committed to the development of wheelchair tennis, and a member sport of BC Wheelchair Sports Association. The BCWTA provides lessons and programs for wheelchair tennis players and hosts the BC Open Tennis Tournament each year. BCWTA works in partnership with BC Wheelchair Sports Association and Tennis BC to promote the sport of Wheelchair Tennis in British Columbia. Nationally, wheelchair tennis is governed by Tennis Canada, and is fully integrated into Tennis Canada programs and services. Internationally, wheelchair tennis is part of the International Tennis Federation. For more information contact us at BCWSA.