By Paul Osborne

A record level of funding is set to be available for grass roots wheelchair tennis in the United States ©Getty ImagesThe United States Tennis Association (USTA) has announced that it is awarding a record level of funding to 20 wheelchair tennis programmes nationwide.

The Association revealed that it will be donating $86,000 (£56,784/€74,388) in Wheelchair Tennis Grassroots Grants, which will help promote and develop the sport across the country.

Grants will be awarded to local organisations that promote and develop the growth of wheelchair tennis and use the sport to build stronger, healthier communities.

The level of funding is based on each programme's existing budget and the future needs of the organisation.

Recipients can use the award to meet the USTA's grant initiatives including coaching, court time, equipment, recruitment and events.

US wheelchair tennis star David Wagner is one of the most decorated players in the game having picked up three individual Paralympic titles, two silvers and a bronze ©Getty ImagesUS wheelchair tennis star David Wagner is one of the most decorated players in the game having picked up three individual Paralympic titles, two silvers and a bronze ©Getty Images


"Wheelchair tennis continues to grow in the United States and the USTA is delighted to award a record amount of wheelchair tennis grassroots grants to deserving wheelchair tennis organisations for their commitment in promoting and growing the sport," said Dan James, USTA national manager for wheelchair tennis.

"These organisations positively impact wheelchair tennis players and these grants are just a part of the continued effort in implementing programmes that support the wheelchair community through tennis and foster growth and achievement in individual players."

The USTA grants have been awarded to the Bennett Institute of Physically Challenged Sports, the Chattahoochee Foundation, the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation, the Colorado Wheelchair Tennis Foundation, the Dwight Davis Memorial Tennis Centre, the Houston Wheelchair Tennis Programme and Team, the Idaho Wheelchair Tennis Association, the Las Vegas Wheelchair Tennis, the Mid-Carolina Tennis Association, the Orthotic and Prosthetic Activities Foundation, the Southern Crescent Tennis Association, Sportability of Iowa, Sportable, Tennis 4 Every 1, the University of Alabama - Adaptive Athletics, the University of Houston - Adaptive Athletics, the Utah Tennis Association, the West Coast Wheelchair Tennis Association, the Wheelchair Sports Federation and Wheelchair Sports Inc.

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