Abilities Tennis adds the Bull City Tournament in Durham, NC, and the Lucky Duck Tournament in Clemmons, NC. Summer camps receive free training to be able to add tennis as a sport for campers. Over 300 campers play tennis across the state. Clinics continue to grow and expand throughout North Carolina.
ATANC is recognized as “Partner Organization of the Year” by Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources. Cofounder and Coach Kirstie Marx is recognized by the International Tennis Hall of Fame for her leadership in adaptive tennis programs. Abilities Tennis President Robert Edwards retires, Jessie Taliaferro takes over as President of the ATANC Board of Directors. Abilities Tennis programs expand across North Carolina, serving over 320 athletes.
Adaptive Tennis of North Carolina changes names, becoming Abilities Tennis of North Carolina (ATANC), eliminating confusion with other adaptive tennis programs. Coach Kirstie Marx authors the PEAT Curriculum and focuses on training athletes, volunteers and coaches. Lou Welch steps in as Executive Director. Abilities Tennis sponsors 18 clinics and serves over 250 athletes with intellectual disabilities. Participation at Raleigh’s Winter Chill climbs to 90 athletes).
Coach Billie Fitzsimmons successfully expands the Wilmington Swing Into Spring Tournament. Coach Jinni Hoggard takes responsibility for the Greensboro area clinics. ATANC athletes Kristine Hughes and Ruth Hochstrasser play a Unified Doubles Exhibition match at the ATP professional Winston Salem Open tournament to raise awareness for ATANC.
Cofounder Kirstie Marx is appointed first Executive Director. Robert Edwards is the first President of the Board of Directors. ATANC clinics and tournaments for athletes with intellectual disabilities are established throughout North Carolina. The Physical Education, Adaptive Tennis (PEAT) program is begun as a pilot in Wake County high schools. Raleigh Winter Chill (serving 20 athletes) and Winston Salem Adaptive Open are established as ATANC tournament events.
