United States Tennis Association Host Navy, Coast Guard Members

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Andre N. McIntyre, Expeditionary Combat Camera Public Affairs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (NNS) -- Wounded Warriors from Team Navy/Coast Guard participated in wheelchair and adaptive tennis training conducted by national wheelchair coaches and volunteers from the United States Tennis Association (USTA) May 13 in Colorado Springs, Colo.

For the Wounded Warrior athletes, it was a much needed break from the rigorous week-long training camp in preparation for the 2011 Warrior Games.

The second annual Warrior Games began May 16 at the Olympic Training Center and the U.S. Air Force Academy.

"This is a leisure afternoon of planned activity for our athletes," said David Pennington,Navy Safe Harbor anchor program coordinator. "It is a low impact sport that is fun. It will allow them to chill and relax their muscles."

The adaptive tennis' goal is to promote and develop recreational tennis opportunities for individuals with differing abilities and circumstances through inclusion, knowledge and support, and by providing, where needed, adaptive programming, equipment and teaching techniques.

"Four training stations have been set-up with various activities to introduce Sailors and Coast Guardsmen to the lifelong sport of tennis," said Robin Jones, USTA national military outreach consultant. "We feel that it is a great activity for reintegration into the community, and it helps our warriors to adjust to life after the military."

"As part of the White House Joining Forces initiative, the USTA feels that Wounded Warriors and their families can benefit from playing tennis socially and competitively," said Jones. "It is a sport that you can play at any age, skill development or at any socio-economic level. It has no barriers, because it is readily accessible to everyone as tennis courts are in virtually every community."

"I have enjoyed the opportunity to participate in this activity," said former Coast Guard Lt. Sancho Johnson. "I strongly feel that this is a great activity, and I am excited about the opportunity to incorporate this into my daily lifestyle"

"This was fun," said Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd Class Oswald Gould. "It has been a learning experience, and it is not as easy as it looks. It is a great outlet to a healthy lifestyle and a good means to meet new people."

Members from the team really enjoyed the break and appreciated the fact that the USTA invested time in order to facilitate this learning experience.

"It has been a great break from practice," said Johnson. "Sometimes you forget how much fun you can have with life when you take time to enjoy it."

"This is a good rehab activity and a great means to workout," said Explosive Ordnance Disposal 1st Class Patrick Woodruff. "It is great being around people who share similar experiences. This whole event has showed me how much they [Navy Safe Harbor] care about our rehabilitation and integration. The staff has been very supportive in facilitating activities to assist in our transition to adaptive activities. This activity is just another example of how awesome they have been."

The team is sponsored by Navy Safe Harbor, the Navy's lead organization for coordinating the non-medical care of wounded, ill and injured Sailors, Coast Guardsmen and their families. Through proactive leadership, Navy Safe Harbor provides a lifetime of individually tailored assistance designed to optimize the success of enrollees' recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration activities.