For the rehabilitative benefits of the game and people that are using tennis for such purposes – this would include but is not limited to Special Olympics, Wheelchair Tennis, Stroke Rehabilitation, etc.

The Piedmont Area Tennis Association (PATA) is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with the Foundation to bring a high-energy Wheelchair Tennis Camp to Central Virginia this August. This dynamic event will be named the Dennis Van der Meer Wheelchair 2026 Summer Camp, led by none other than international wheelchair tennis champion David Wagner, who will bring world-class expertise and inspiration to athletes. It is fitting to name the camp after Dennis because he believed anyone could play tennis. He pioneered wheelchair competitions, authored the first curriculum for wheelchair tennis, and taught courses on instructing and coaching wheelchair tennis players.

Dennis Van der Meer, the legendary “teacher of teachers,” was one of the earliest and most passionate supporters of Special Olympics, championing the inclusion of athletes of all abilities and proving that tennis truly belongs to all. His extraordinary contributions to the sport were recognized when he was enshrined in the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2021, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s greatest advocates. We are proud sponsors of the Special Olympics for 23 consecutive years.