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Lake Oswego Tennis Center presents 20th year of Special Olympics tennis program to council
Summary
Lake Oswego’s Tennis Center, which runs Oregon’s only Special Olympics tennis program, reported 23 athletes and 25 volunteers in its 21st season and highlighted donated court and staff time and national recognition.
Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation staff presented the city council on July 15 about the Lake Oswego Tennis Center’s Special Olympics tennis program, now in its 21st year and described as the only Special Olympics tennis program in Oregon.
Lisa West, parks sports manager, said the program served 23 athletes and relied on 25 volunteers during the most recent season. Volunteers donated roughly 350 hours; staff provided approximately 150 hours of court time and about 100 hours of staff support. The program partners with Special Olympics Clackamas County for registration and screening, and the tennis center donates court time and staff support and purchases required equipment.
Why it matters: Councilors recognized the program’s role in providing year‑round social and athletic opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities and noted the program’s volunteer base and national recognition included a feature in National Parks & Recreation Magazine.
Program model: West said the program uses individualized curricula for each athlete, a near 1:1 coach‑to‑athlete ratio at times, and an end‑of‑season tournament with adapted skill assessments and a medal ceremony. The city does not charge participants; the program relies on volunteers and the tennis center’s donated resources.
Ending: West invited councilors and the public to observe sessions ( Saturdays 4–5 p.m., season restarting in September) and highlighted the program’s role in community inclusion and mental‑health benefits.
