Special Pops Tennis Kicks Off Ninth Year of Exercise and Nutrition (TLJ and Enews)

More than 30 Landings volunteers turned out for the 2019 edition of Special Pops Tennis-Savannah, which began on February 16 at the Franklin Creek tennis courts. Our mission is to enhance the lives and well-being of individuals with intellectual challenges, and that’s exactly what we’ve done for more than 50 individuals for the past eight years.

Each clinic begins with a nutritional tip session designed to encourage healthy eating and exercise habits. This is followed by 90 minutes of tennis instruction, games and doubles play, and Pickleball…all led by our wonderful volunteers. Meri Campbell and her group of dedicated volunteers also will continue to enhance tennis skills and the lives of younger athletes through participation in the thriving Special Pops Jr. program.

The 2019 year includes an 11-week spring season as well as an eight-week fall season. Both will feature not only tennis for the athletes, but the opportunity to travel and participate in a tournament or event in Columbia, Charleston, Hilton Head, Statesboro, Macon, and/or Atlanta. In addition, Special Pops will host the Fifth annual Adaptive Invitational at the Marshwood courts on March 2. This all-day event includes tennis, pickleball, on-court games, crafts, etc., followed by a fantastic dinner/dance with a DJ. This year’s event will draw 147 athletes (double last year’s) from neighboring cities and states.

We thank our sponsors, including St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital, Allstate/Pence Family Agency, SATA, Coastal Dentistry, Savannah Morning News, Landings Home Team Realty, Urgent Care Berwick/Sandfly, Mathew Johns Construction, TWATL, and The Landings Club, as well as all the additional personal donors. Because of these wonderful donors, Special Pops continues to grow and to enrich the lives of our great athletes and volunteers.

We encourage everyone to stop by any Saturday from 2 to 3 p.m. and witness the joy and goodness that Special Pops provides. The athletes would love to meet you, too! Check us out at www.SpecialPopsTennis-Savannah.com  or on Facebook at SpecialPopsTennisSavannah1.