Special Pops - Tennis is a sport without boundaries. Yes, there are lines on the court, but they aren't there to exclude anyone, regardless of disability.

Special Pops recognizes four main categories of differently-abled players:

• Developmentally disabled (learning disabilities, autism, Down's Syndrome, mental retardation)

• Physically disabled (birth defects, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, muscular dystrophy, etc.)

• Consumers of mental health services (psychiatrically disabled, emotionally disturbed)

• At risk/environmentally disabled (substance abusers, mentally and physically abused, homeless, HIV positive individuals, persons within the juvenile justice system, etc.)

For each of these groups, Special Pops supports adaptive tennis programs, providing grant money, equipment and resources for specifically-tailored programs that provide fun, fitness and a positive social experience for participants. Regional clinics and instructional programs are held throughout the country, often in conjunction with agencies devoted to serving special populations within the respective communities. The enjoyment, physical well-being and contact shared by participants has proven to be positive sources of self-esteem, helping open doors to a more positive lifestyle.