Counties Tennis Association’s regional disability program has expanded over the past couple of years and become something that has a massive impact on the lives of disabled kids in South Auckland.

Two years ago, Counties Sport Hub ran a story about the organisation’s incredibly successful and rewarding program that saw them going into Pukekohe Hill School, Pukekohe Valley School and View Rd Primary in Waiuku working with special needs kids with a targeted program headed up by renowned local coach Lynette Johnston.

Since then, the program has expanded to see Johnston and her team in schools all around the Franklin region and working with children in a wider age range.

For parent Kikumi Ohata, the program has had a profound impact on her children, and she is encouraging support.

“It was a great experience and a wonderful opportunity to take a tennis program at Parkside Specialist School in Pukekohe for my two special needs sons (severe and moderate ASD, ADHD, GDD and SPD +more).

“I didn’t even think my boys could cope with learning how to play tennis and enjoying it. But the coaches have been so helpful and supportive with students. The lessons definitely helped them out emotionally and physically. It has increased develop their fine motor skills, gross motor skills, hand and eye coordination, also communication and social skills as well.

“I can’t find any words to describe how much I appreciate this opportunity to help my children’s progress – definitely making me and children’s life easier than before as well as learning more life skills and daily routines.”

Having attended one of the sessions, Counties Sports Hub’s Dale Budge admitted the response from the kids was rewarding.

“I got asked to attend a session when writing a story about this program,” Budge said. “I thought I would find it a run-of-the-mill event where the kids turn up and hit a few balls and that would be it.

“But seeing how these kids really came out of their shells and enjoyed the coaching as well as seeing how they responded to the success or competition they were having was actually quite moving.

“There is no question this program is providing something that enriches those kids’ lives and it is important that it is able to take the next step.”

The program needs funding to exist and grow. Counties Tennis Association has received support from Gaming Trusts such as Grassroots and from Tu Manawa Active Aotearoa fund previously but is always on the lookout for additional help.

If there are businesses out there that would be interested in supporting the initiative, they are encouraged to contact Counties Tennis Association to express that interest.