Background
Aces for Athens was started at the University of Georgia in 2011 by two University of Georgia students, Nick Talathi and Taylor Bellamy, to provide extracurricular opportunities for children with developmental disabilities in the Athens-Clarke County area. Nick and Taylor reached out to fellow classmates and local partners in the Athens community, hoping to utilize tennis as the vehicle to fulfill the two objectives of Aces.
Aces was started with two objectives in mind. Firstly, Aces aimed to provide opportunities for special-needs students that they might not otherwise have had during their daily education. These children deserved to socialize, relax, and enjoy time outside of school just as much as other children. Since its creation, Aces has consistently been able to provide a recreational environment for these special-needs students. Secondly, Aces aimed to facilitate fitness and physical well-being through exercise in order to combat the widespread trend of increasingly sedentary lifestyles seen in children today. Aces continues to work with elementary children in pursuit of that goal, encouraging them to put down devices and engage in person by playing tennis.
Aces for Athens held its first lessons at Bishop Park with two children and three volunteers. After an outpouring of support and great interest among volunteers, Aces expanded to serve elementary school students. The founding principles remain: completely free lessons to children with all equipment provided and a strong desire to give back to the Athens community which provides so much to University of Georgia students. Reach out to our executive board with questions! We'd love to have you!
Aces was started with two objectives in mind. Firstly, Aces aimed to provide opportunities for special-needs students that they might not otherwise have had during their daily education. These children deserved to socialize, relax, and enjoy time outside of school just as much as other children. Since its creation, Aces has consistently been able to provide a recreational environment for these special-needs students. Secondly, Aces aimed to facilitate fitness and physical well-being through exercise in order to combat the widespread trend of increasingly sedentary lifestyles seen in children today. Aces continues to work with elementary children in pursuit of that goal, encouraging them to put down devices and engage in person by playing tennis.
Aces for Athens held its first lessons at Bishop Park with two children and three volunteers. After an outpouring of support and great interest among volunteers, Aces expanded to serve elementary school students. The founding principles remain: completely free lessons to children with all equipment provided and a strong desire to give back to the Athens community which provides so much to University of Georgia students. Reach out to our executive board with questions! We'd love to have you!
