Michael Andres has spearheaded a totally fun and worthwhile program geared toward SV students with special needs.
There is little doubt that Michael Andres has a passion for tennis. He has been playing since the age of four and is a key member of Joann Ochse’s Saucon Valley High School tennis team. When Michael is not training or playing tennis, his thoughts never seem to be too far away from the court and what the sport has to offer.
Working last summer as a volunteer junior tennis instructor for the Kids Play Tennis Community Outreach Program, Andres realized that there were no year-round programs for special needs children. Wanting to create positive change in our society, Michael felt compelled to make a difference. He is now the head instructor for Tennis For Fun Lehigh Valley which offers free year-round tennis clinics at Northwood Racquet and Fitness Club on Saturday mornings 8-9 a.m.
“I wanted special needs individuals to have the opportunity to experience this fun sport in the Lehigh Valley. I decided to start Tennis for Fun Lehigh Valley which provides free tennis clinics to children and adults with special needs.”
Michael Andres (Saucon Valley Tennis For Fun founder)
Michael Andres and and fellow volunteer Megan Gatchel creating success on the Saucon Valley School District tennis courts.
Michael’s efforts and success with Tennis For Fun Lehigh Valley led him to partner locally with Saucon Valley Special Education Teacher Todd Lipp and the Special Needs Sports Club of Saucon Valley. What Andres has created is a fantastic program that is open to any Saucon Valley student with special needs. The morning sessions take place at the tennis courts on SVSD’s campus and are facilitated by Michael along with Panther student-athletes Emily Ackerman and Megan Gatchel. Ackerman and Gatchel are both rising seniors who participate on Ochse’s girls’ team.
All Saucon Valley special needs students are welcome and you need not attend every session. A tennis racquet is required, but otherwise the program is free. Tennis For Fun Saucon Valley takes place every Monday and Friday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. There is plenty of space available so why not give it a try!
For more information contact Michael:
mi************@gm***.com
