Special Olympics

August, 2010 

Dear Volunteers: 

To 2010 SOMO Tennis season opens this Sunday, August 22, at our new location! The Cabin John tennis courts are not available to us as they will undergo renovation this season, and we are lucky enough to have the Montgomery County Recreation Department sponsor our use of the brand new tennis courts at Walter Johnson High School. They are located directly behind the school and next to the football field. The school address is: 6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814.  Arrive at 4:00pm. We will have check-in, then warm-ups and skill assessment.  We are likely to finish by 5:30pm the first 2 sessions, so please arrange transportation accordingly. After the training group placements have been made, our plan is to have the skill athletes train from 4-5:15pm. Doubles play athletes will continue training until 6:00pm so that we can get in ample game play.

This year we will be doing ability assessments in the first two weeks of the season so that we can place players in training groups that most closely relate to their level of ability, and so that we can hopefully move several of our "skills" players into either traditional or Unified doubles training.

If you as a parent or older sibling of one of our athletes is a tennis player and can commit to helping out at practice, please plan to bring along your racquet! If you know of a tennis player who may want to volunteer his/her time with our program, we are in urgent need of coaches. Many of our regular coaches have had to "bow out" this season due to work and personal scheduling conflicts, and we will need the coaching support in order to make this program run. Please help us in doing some up close and personal recruiting!

A note from Head Coach Greg:  Please remember that this is a Tennis program and requires appropriate and respectful attire. No jeans, cut-offs, etc. The proper shoe is required: tennis, cross-training, or similar is optimum. Be aware that some running shoes tend to be designed in such a way that they "catch" the court surface. We are happy to give advice and make suggestions about proper, safe and necessary equipment. All players should bring their tennis racquet and a few balls to practice. MCTA has provided tennis racquets over the past couple of years to those who did not have one, and we still have a few for new players who are in need. Bring a few balls! You should have a few on hand from your off-season practicing!!!  Coach Greg brings the huge supply of tennis balls, but we need to know that there are a few to work with until he arrives.

WATER! WATER! WATER! Bring water. There is not a source of drinking water at the WJHS courts and water is a must! You should also have sunscreen, and a baseball cap is useful on hot and sunny days. If there are parents who would like to relive the days of youth soccer teams and bring a couple of zip-lock bags of cut up orange wedges to share, that would be lovely! 

RECAP: Tennis begins this Sunday August 22, 4:00-6:00pm at Walter Johnson HS tennis courts. Bring WATER and dress appropriately for tennis training. Bring your racquet and a few tennis balls. Sign up on-line if you haven't already. Help us recruit tennis helpers! Come ready to pitch in if you are a tennis player family member!

See you all on Sunday! 

Pamela D. Yerg

Area Director

Special Olympics Maryland - Montgomery

"Be a Fan of Possibilities!. 

Coach Greg

MCTA proudly announces its partnership with the Special Olympics of Montgomery County, MD and seeks active volunteers to support the program.  Tennis has recently been added as an official Special Olympics sport in the State of Maryland.