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Tennis Legend Stan Smith and Former ATP Star Paul Goldstein Share Laughs and Volleys

With Military and Advanced Wheelchair Tennis Players At Army Navy Country Club On February 27

Arlington, VA - Four wheelchair tennis players including military veterans Arnold Beard, Air Force Sergeant from 1967-1971, and Preston Curry, Army Automated Logistics Specialist from 1992-1995, advanced wheelchair players Jullana Melody Curry and Robbie Thomas partnered with Army veteran tennis legend Stan Smith, former ATP star Paul Goldstein, WTA Tour fastest serve record holder Brenda Schultz-McCarthy, and top-10 ranked ITF Junior Mitchell Frank for a fun-filled up-and-down tennis exhibition. Renowned coach, Wayne Bryan, father of world no. 1 doubles team, Bob & Mike Bryan, hosted the event. About Richmond Tennis Association Richmond Tennis Association (RTA) is one of the oldest CTA in the country, and the wheelchair tennis program is one of its newest programs. The program was started less than a year ago with support from Mid-Atlantic Tennis and Education Foundation and USTA Virginia. RTA was fortunate to find Sportable, a Richmond organization that promotes adaptive sports and recreation, that became a valuable partner in the endeavor. Sportable was started by two Virginia Commonwealth University students in 2005 and is a not for profit organization focused on providing recreation and sports opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities. In 2009, the program offered a wheelchair tennis coaches' workshop, a run and roll exhibition match, two six-week wheelchair tennis clinics and participated in two spinal cord injury sports fairs at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Hospital. In 2010, the program will offer three six-week clinics, a USTA sanctioned wheelchair tennis tournament in May, a run and roll fun event and a fund raising dinner with Karin Korb, a former number one wheelchair tennis player in the US, as the speaker. Two of the program's instructors recently traveled to Hilton Head for a PTR wheelchair tennis instructors' workshop and became certified wheelchair instructors. The program could not have started and continued without the support from Mid-Atlantic Tennis and Education Foundation, USTA Virginia, USTA Wheelchair Tennis Grant, Hermitage Country Club and the Sportable. A special thanks to the Midlothian Athletic Club for hosting the 2010 wheelchair tennis tournament and Ken Guendel for donating the sport chair that belonged to the late Howie Grunfeld. About USTA Virginia USTA/Virginia Tennis was established in 1968 as a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to “promote and develop the game of tennis in Virginia”. It is a District representative of the United States Tennis Association (USTA). The Virginia District encompasses the entire state and is the largest of the four Districts, which make up the USTA/Mid-Atlantic Section (MAS).

Beginner Wheelchair Players Arnold Beard “A USAF veteran, I served from 1967 to 1971. I was a AFSC (airforce specialty code) Aircraft, Control and Warning Operator.” “Before being injured and being permanently confined to a wheelchair I was an avid tennis player, playing year round. Tennis has always been my sport of choice even teaching all of my children. Up until three years ago I had resigned to the fact that I would have to choose another pastime. Upon a visit to a sports camp in Warms Springs, GA three years ago, I discovered that once again I could pursue my passion for tennis. After just hitting with my children for the past couple of years, this past summer I participated in a program in Richmond sponsored by Richmond Tennis Association and Sportable that has me believing in myself as a tennis player again.” Preston Curry “I started playing tennis for the first time in June 2009. Prior to that, I had never picked up a tennis racquet.” “I served in the U.S. Army from 1992-95 as an Automated Logistics Specialist. My job was writing contracts and grants.” “On Feb. 12 1995, I broke my neck in an automobile accident. The Richmond Wheelchair Tennis Program has allowed me to learn the game of wheelchair tennis, improve my physical fitness, and increase my confidence and self esteem. I'd like to keep improving my tennis game, play in tournaments, and have a good time. The most exciting thing thus far is playing in this exhibition. Advanced Wheelchair Players Robbie Thomas “In October, 1980 I was in a car accident and became a paraplegic. Two years later, I took a tennis class in college and I've been hooked ever since. In 1995, I received my professional instructor certification from the USPTR. I've been teaching elementary physical education for the last 20 years.” “One of my most awesome tennis experiences occurred a while back at Point-Set Racquet Club in Cherry Hill, NJ. This had been promoted as a singles tournament only. Having received a smaller than usual number of entrants, they threw together a doubles tournament. I was the last player to arrive and did not get to choose my partner. I was paired with the only player left over, Randy Snow! The best chair player who’s ever played. I don't want to say he carried me through the match, but he returned balls that had passed me and were obviously mine. He was an awesome person playing an awesome game!!” Jillana Melody Curry “I started playing tennis at 19 while living in Florida where I grew up. After my amputation in 2003, I was introduced to wheelchair tennis and started playing in 2005.” “The Richmond wheelchair tennis program allows me to use my skills and enthusiasm to motivate and teach others with disabilities to play the great game of wheelchair tennis. It has also provided me with the opportunity to meet such wonderful people from the area who enjoy the sport as much as I do.” “This year, I want to be instrumental in bringing wheelchair tennis to the forefront so that it can become a more recognized sport in Virginia.” “By far, the most exciting thing was when I played in the U.S. Open in St. Louis, Missouri last September. I won a Silver Medal in the singles and doubles in my division. Also, in 2006 and 2007, I won the Gold Medal in the singles and doubles in my division at the Florida Open.”

PHOTOS

USTA Virginia Wheelchair Tennis Clinic, Saturday February 27, 2010 at The Army Navy Country Club Back row, from left: Emcee Wayne Bryan, USTA Virginia President Wayne McCoy, Inductee Paul Goldstein, Honoree Stan Smith, seventh-ranked ITF Junior Mitchell Frank, MATEF President David Wendt, Former WTA Tour Player Brenda Schultz-McCarthy Front row, from left: Air Force Veteran Arnold Beard, advanced wheelchair player Mel Curry, Army Veteran Preston Curry, 12 year-old “up and comer” Valeria Reyes, advanced wheelchair player Robbie Thomas

Preston Curry and Paul Goldstein

Mel Curry and Mitchell Frank