The Inspiring Journey of Danny Scrivano in Adaptive Tennis
The USTA/Midwest Tennis and Education Foundation is dedicated to expanding our Adaptive Tennis programs, which provide opportunities for athletes with physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities to experience the joy and benefits of tennis. Today, we want to share with you the story of an extraordinary athlete, Danny Scrivano, and invite you to join us in supporting our mission.
Danny Scrivano: A Champion of Adaptive Tennis
Danny is a remarkable young man who has been breaking barriers in the world of tennis.
A stroke at the age of two left him paralyzed on his right side and diagnosed with
hemiplegia/cerebral palsy. Danny has never let his condition define his potential, however. From an early age, Danny discovered his passion for tennis, encouraged by his father who saw his natural talent for the sport. Despite the challenges posed by hemiplegia affecting his right side, Danny excelled, playing varsity tennis throughout high school and eventually becoming a coach and mentor to other players.
Today, Danny is a rising star in Para Standing Tennis, having won his last 12 tournaments, including the singles championships in Spain and Italy. He has been nominated to play on the prestigious Arthur Ashe Court at the US Open, sharing the stage with other top athletes. But Danny's journey is about more than just personal success; it's about raising awareness for athletes with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, who often remain underrepresented in sports media and opportunities.
To hear more about Danny's Inspiring Story CLICK HERE to watch
A Brief History of the Paralympic Movement and Adaptive Tennis
The Paralympic Movement began in 1948 when Sir Ludwig Guttmann organized a sports competition for World War II veterans with spinal cord injuries in Stoke Mandeville, England. This initiative grew into the Paralympic Games, first held in Rome in 1960, and has since become one of the world's largest sporting events, promoting social inclusion and empowering athletes with disabilities.
Tennis, as part of the Paralympics, has played a significant role in this movement. Wheelchair tennis became an official medal sport at the Paralympics in 1992, and since then, it has inspired countless individuals with disabilities to participate in and enjoy the game. The USTA has been at the forefront of promoting adaptive tennis, ensuring that people of all abilities can access and enjoy this wonderful sport.
The USTA/Midwest Tennis and Education Foundation is committed to expanding our adaptive tennis programs, but we need your help. Your generous donation will support the growth of programs like Para Standing Tennis, which provide athletes like Danny with the resources, training, and opportunities they need to succeed. In December 2023, we awarded $35,000 in grants to 25 programs across 17 states, but the demand continues to grow.
Para-standing tennis at the 2023 US Open. Danny Scrivano second to left. Photo by Darren Carroll/USTA.
Tennis can be adapted so that everyone can participate in the sport. People of any age, environment, social, intellectual or physical ability are invited to enjoy the game.
Read on to find adaptive tennis programs where you live and how you and your family can take part. Click Here to Find out More About Adaptive Programs in the Midwest
Comments