Posted on June 29, 2023
Wheelchair and Para-Standing Tennis Action Returns with Tournament
Wheelchair and para-standing tennis athletes are competing in Grand Rapids at the 2023 Midwest Wheelchair Tennis Championships, presented by Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports. This highly competitive tournament has been in Grand Rapids for over 30 years. It will be hosted at MVP Athletic Club – Crahen and features athletes with all levels of experience.
This is the second year of the new para-standing division. It’s for athletes who may have an amputation, cerebral palsy, limb difference, hemiplegia or other congenital conditions. This year, a junior international athlete from Chile will be traveling to Grand Rapids to compete in this division.
The tournament action kicks off with an up/down social event on Thursday, July 6, where able-bodied tennis players are partnered with a para-standing or wheelchair adult tennis player to form a doubles team. This regular tradition is a player favorite and shows why tennis is such a popular sport for athletes of all abilities.
WHEN: Tournament play begins at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 7, and runs through Sunday July 9
Where: MVP Athletic Club – Crahen, 115 Crahen Ave NE, Grand Rapids
In the over 150 matches, athletes will compete for over $5,000 in prize money. National athletes from across the United States are competing in this year’s United States Tennis Association (USTA) Level 1 event.
There will also be a free kids wheelchair tennis clinic on Friday, July 7, from 4:30-6pm and a mini kids wheelchair tournament on Saturday, July 8, from 10am-12pm. Participants must be able to independently push a sports chair to play.
Looking to compete? There is still room to sign up for the tournament. Draws will be posted here. The tournament is free to the public, so come out and cheer on these amazing athletes.
