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Thursday, August 31
Family Luau & Rock and Rally - 8/30/06
A Day To Remember
8/30/06 7:38 PM
The Blackstone Valley Tennis Association (BVTA), recently co-sponsored a "Family Luau & Rock and Rally" with the Rhode Island Parents Information Network (RIPIN), a Family Voices chapter.
What would a Family Luau & Rock and Rally be without some official shirts?
RIPIN is a clearinghouse for information and education about ways to improve healthcare for children with disabilities and chronic conditions. It includes many support groups, including, Autism Society of RI, Family to Family of RI, Head Start, Child Outreach, Developmental Disabilities Council, and Family Outreach, just to name a few.
This special day is offered free of any charge to the 2000 families that are members of this wonderful organization. Fun, food, prizes, games, gifts, and, for the first time, tennis, was available to all that attended the event.
Introducing tennis to the kids was a positive experience for everyone involved.
"It's meaningful to hear the stories from the parents about how much their kids are enjoying playing tennis for the first time," said Joanne Macksoud, Blackstone Valley Tennis Association President. "To hear a child has found the sport they love is what the event is all about. Having the opportunity to meet so many children in need, and to be able to give them something like this event makes the day so worthwhile."
The BVTA had an information booth set up and gave out over 200 free t- shirts. Mini nets were set up, racquets and "speed balls" were supplied and "tennis" was brought to these special youngsters. The grins on their faces were only matched by the smiles on their parent's faces, some with a tear in the eye. A tennis racquet, shoulder bag, and cans of tennis balls were also given as prizes.
A fun way for kids to introduce themselves to the game of tennis is by playing with mini nets.
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