Going for gold: the road to the Special Olympics

Their determination is stronger than any serve. Their teamwork is more powerful than any volley. This spring a remarkable group of special needs tennis players from LaFortune Park Tennis Center is showing that ability, not disability, defines their path to the court. As they prepare to compete in Oklahoma’s Special Olympics, they bring with them not only rackets and tennis shoes, but confidence, and unwavering support from the community cheering them on.  

First Serve Tulsa and LaFortune Park Tennis Center support a program called The League of Exceptional Players, whose mission is to provide a fun and instructional tennis program to children and adults with special needs. The league has been training and participating in activities that showcase their dedication, teamwork and progress on the court. 

Tennis for everyone

This year the United States Tennis Association (USTA) confirmed that tennis participation in the U.S. has surged to a new high of 25.7 million players, following five consecutive years of growth. Tennis participation in the United States is measured through two complementary research studies. 

“Exercise is huge deal for these athletes to get them out and moving,” said Peter McCorkle, United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) and tournament director at LaFortune Park Tennis Center.  

McCorkle has seen firsthand how players improve their footwork and movement through consistent practice. “Tennis is one of the healthiest sports there is. There are no exceptions for an individual with special needs.” 

Thanks to the indoor facilities at LaFortune Park Tennis Center, athletes can train and compete without worrying or braving the elements of Oklahoma’s weather. With three additional indoor courts opening this May, the center is set to impact even more players.  

Serving up support  

At the end of each game, players run through a tunnel made up of their teammates, coaches and fans. For the athletes that compete, there is no shortage of high-fives or celebration for friendly competition.  

“One of the coolest things I have seen is the community and the teamwork,” said Peter McCorkle. “The biggest accomplishments of them all is seeing them build relationships and friendships.”  

“Most of these players have known each other their whole lives, and it’s a great time for getting together, but also the sports aspect is great and the coaches that work with them have been awesome,” said Karen Baker, mom of athlete Tim Baker.  

Last year, Charlie Chaffin said he played his hardest and loves playing tennis. This year along side Tim, he's back, still working hard and competing in the Special Olympics. 

Game. Set. Heart of gold.  

After practices filled with drills and training, players walk and play with more confidence, not just in their game, but in themselves. Coach Peter McCorkle explained that one of the more important elements in tennis is learning to rally: the back-and-forth exchange of shots that begins a serve and continues until a point is won.    

Tennis is a sport filled with emotional highs and lows. With every serve or swing there’s always a chance for a mistake. But, for these athletes, each misstep becomes a lesson. They’re learning not only how to play the game, but how to recognize mistakes, accept and grow from them. Through consistent training, their building not only skill, but confidence on the court.  

I’ve learned more from them, more than they have learned from me,” McCorkle said. “They’ve taught me compassion, love and what true hard work looks like. These athletes are pure hearted and determined with every task and challenge. It’s incredible.”  

Next up: Stillwater, OK. The team will take the court at Oklahoma State University (OSU) for the Oklahoma Special Olympics on May 14, where they’ll play for gold, silver and bronze.  

At the heart of the program is Coach Julie, a mentor, and driving force behind the journey for these athletes.   

Good luck team!