More than 100 attend Down syndrome tennis camp at Burbank Tennis Center
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BURBANK — An event that began as a way to give back instead provided dual benefits to those who participated as well as to those who volunteered.
The 11th annual Jensen-Schmidt Tennis Academy for Individuals with Down syndrome, which was free and ran from Monday to Wednesday at the Burbank Tennis Center from 9 a.m. to noon, attracted a crowd of between 120 and 140 camp-goers who were watched and cared for by an army of volunteers.
PHOTOS: Annual tennis academy draws more than 100 guests
“This is the most people we’ve had since this started,” said tennis professional Vince Schmidt, who runs the traveling camp along with former French Open doubles champions Luke and Murphy Jensen. “The secret to our success has been the volunteers, both those who keep coming back year after year and know what to expect, and those who are new and bring energy.”
The camp features several stations where participants are provided drills and exercises in strength and conditioning, balance and tennis.
On one court, campers run through football-style ladders and hop on bouncing balls, while at another, venue members practice hitting softballs, foam balls and tennis balls.
Burbank High junior Becky Galvez admitted she wasn’t sure what to expect, but was pleased that she decided to volunteer.
“This is my first time and I just wanted to come out and help,” said Galvez, a member of her school’s key club. “When you look at kids here, they’re always so happy and have big smiles on their faces no matter what. That’s something we can all learn from.”
Galvez was accompanied by several members of the key club, including fellow junior Mary Grace Lewis.
“I had earlier worked with Aces for Autism,” said Lewis of the free tennis clinic dedicated for children with autism. “That was a great event and I love helping out and being a part of this. Working with the kids, there’s nothing like it.”
Perhaps the signature drill was held at center court, where a giant medicine ball that resembled a volleyball was kicked, punched and passed around between campers.
When asked for the inspiration behind that exercise and others, Schmidt noted he had many influences.
“I’m a good borrower of ideas from others sports that I watch and see how they train,” Schmidt said. “Many of the drills you see here have been borrowed from the best baseball camps I’ve seen, the best soccer camps I’ve seen.
“I was at a fencing match and I saw something and thought, ‘You know what, that’s something I’d love to do.’ I go to sporting events around the world and I try to borrow as many good ideas as I can.”
One of the camp’s biggest participants was the Burbank Center for the Retarded “A Place to Grow” center located across the street from the tennis center.
The BCR, a non-profit organization dedicated to children and adults with developmental disabilities, had 34 participants and eight staffers take part.
“I love it and I do it every year,” said Dana West, a BCR employee. “This is my third year and I think I get more back from this than our clients do. Don’t get me wrong, they love it, too, but it’s so special to be here with a great group of loving and supportive people.”
Bill Greene, whose Burbank-based GreeneLight Foundation sponsors the camp, noted that one of the side benefits of the three-day event is the lasting networks that are established.
“You have parents of children with Down syndrome who get together to meet and make friends,” Greene said. “Often times, these first meetings lead to play dates and longtime friendships.”
For volunteer Yvonne Bender of North Hollywood, her 11th year working has been particularly special.
“I have a disabled daughter and I know how difficult it can be,” Bender said. “It’s wonderful to be around people who understand the difficulties and work together to make life better. I come here every year.”
Perhaps the most senior person at the event, 92-year-old Glendale resident Kay Scribner, said that her work at the annual camp didn’t make her feel sorry for the camp-goers, but instead she felt rewarded for the opportunity to meet such courageous individuals.
“I’m blessed, we all are,” Scribner said. “When you’re here, you can’t help but feel thankful for what you have and also to help and be around such a beautiful group of people. They are an inspiration.”