Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Getting to the Australian Open 2014

                                                             Happy New Year !!!
 
This is a test of upcoming blogs from Australia.  Please respond to let me know if you got it.  On my end, it looks fine, but you never know...................
 
Here we go.....
 
                                                      
 Don, Katherine and I are counting down the days until we go "down under" for the Australian Open 2014! We still have to remind ourselves we are really going AND watching Katherine and her teammates PLAY in the Adaptive section of the tournament. What an honor for the players and for the future players! Many of you have known we were going, but may not know the how and why.  I thought I would take a few minutes to explain the background.

In the Fall of 2012, we made contact with a group out of Washington, DC called Athletes Without Limits.  A wonderful organization which allows athletes with intellectual disabilities to compete at a higher level at international competitions.  After several phone calls and much family discussion, it was decided this would be a great opportunity for Katherine.  In the same thought, we felt it would be an incredible opportunity to show how much adaptive tennis has grown and grown in a big way!

Currently, Katherine and her teammates are practicing under the guidance of their coach, Diane Fishburne Barker.  We are so excited to have her and her wonderful husband, Jack.  They have plenty of experience in the tennis world.  Google Diane and see what I mean.  She inspires the team via email with regular tips on the game, nutrition and motivation.

Who has been selected to represent the USA?  Below is an article that featured the team.

URL: http://www.usta.com/Adult-Tennis/Adaptive-Tennis/team_usa_to_compete_at_australian_championships/


The packing has begun and we are counting the days until we leave.  I hope to get everything in just 3 suitcases and under the weight limit!  It's summer there, so that should help a bit.
Although Katherine keeps needing just a few more things!