Hilton Head Island, SC – – Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) presented its annual awards last night during the 2015 PTR International Tennis Symposium. The event, which includes 40-plus educational presentations for tennis teachers and coaches, a trade show and tournament, is being held until February 22, on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
Sylvia Swartz, of Wayland, Massachusetts, has been named PTR Humanitarian of the Year for her work with Handi-Racket Tennis.
Handi-Racket Tennis, an instructional tennis program for people with disabilities, offers the opportunity to learn our great game to a population the might not otherwise have the chance. Based at The Longfellow Club in Wayland, Massachusetts, it is the longest running program of its kind in the United States.
Founded in 1977, by PTR Professional Laury Hammel, Handi-Racket Tennis is run by its Executive Director and Head Coach, Sylvia Swartz. Also a PTR Professional, Swartz has guided the program to reach well beyond the courts at Longfellow, and Handi-Racket now boasts the largest group of tennis athletes at Special Olympics Massachusetts. It serves athletes from Attleboro, Belmont, Concord, Danvers, Framingham, Medford, Newton, Saugus, Sudbury, Wellesley and Weston.
Swartz focuses on abilities, not disabilities, ensuring players know the feeling of success with each new tennis skill they learn. Tennis provides valuable life skills off the court as well. Swartz genuinely cares about the game and what it can do, knowing each on court success – no matter how small it may seem – boosts an athlete’s self esteem.
Swartz puts tireless effort into Handi-Racket Tennis and the athletes it serves. In 2008, Handi-Racket Tennis was presented the USTA Adaptive Tennis National Community Service Award. On December 7, 2014, Swartz sat in the front row on the legendary parquet floor at the Boston Celtics’ game for a special presentation. She was recognized by the NBA team as one of the ‘Heroes Among Us’ for her work with Handi-Racket Tennis.
Swartz is a giver and now, as PTR Humanitarian Award she receives a $2,500 check from PTR Foundation to help her continue her work with Handi-Racket Tennis.
PTR is the largest global organization of tennis teaching professionals with more than 15,000 members in 125 countries. It has the greatest percentage of multicultural and women members of any such organization. PTR is dedicated to educating, certifying and servicing tennis teachers and coaches around the world in order to grow the game.
