By Mark LaRotonda, Special Programs Vice President
The National Wheelcats hosted their annual Music City Classic Wheelchair Tennis Tournament in Nashville, Tennessee, in June. Players from all over the Southeast and central part of the country took to the courts, including several ALTA members.
Six events were held over three days on outdoor and indoor courts. Many of the players were thankful for the indoor courts because the heat index limits were met each day. There were singles and doubles matches in each of the A, B, and C divisions.
In the A division, Rob Popelka, who has played tennis for 13 years, took first place in singles. He then teamed up with Samir Jusupovic, who has played tennis for 10 years, and the pair won the title in doubles. “Favorite part [of the tournament]? Some of my family that live close by were able to come watch me play, cheer, and hangout,” Jusupovic said.
In the B division, Mark LaRotonda, who has played tennis for 32 years, and his partner, Jeremy Perez of Joshua, Texas, finished first in doubles.
In the C division, Jordan Bates, one of ALTA’s juniors, beat Jen Speer, nine-year ALTA member, in the singles final. Speer and her partner, Scott Therrell of Chunky, Mississippi, finished first in doubles while Bates teamed up with fellow ALTA junior John Grimsley, to finish second. “This tournament has consistent staff and volunteers, which makes it feel like a reunion each year,” said Speer. “It is very well run, and a lot of effort is put into making it enjoyable no matter what your results are. The raffle is always fun, and the live music brings a touch of Nashville charm to the tournament.”
The National Wheelcats non-profit was established in 1957 to educate, encourage, and inspire individuals with disabilities through actively participating in sports. The organization’s mission is to help people become more independent and productive, as well as strengthen their physical abilities and emotional well-being.
Learn more at nationalwheelcats.org.
