Special Olympics North America Tennis Championships open at Van Der Meer

The 15th-annual Special Olympics North America Tennis Championships starts Thursday at Van der Meer Shipyard Racquet Club.

The public is invited to Friday’s opening ceremony, which starts at 6:15 p.m. and includes a parade of athletes, a torch lighting and professional exhibition.

Thursday’s activities include a pizza party, tennis carnival and athletes clinics. Registration starts at 9 a.m. and goes until 11 a.m.

Competition will go Friday from a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

The event is hosted by Professional Tennis Registry, an organization of tennis teaching professionals with more than 15,000 members.

15TH-ANNUAL SPECIAL OLYMPICS NORTH AMERICA TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

What: Five-level tennis competition for Special Olympics athletes

When: Friday and Saturday, beginning at 8 a.m. each day

Where: Van der Meer Shipyard Racquet Club

Details: Opening ceremonies are open to the public and begin at 6:15 p.m. Friday. The event includes individual skills competition and various levels of singles, doubles and unified doubles

Online: www.so-sc.org

This story was originally published November 6, 2014 at 8:26 AM with the headline "Special Olympics North America Tennis Championships open at Van Der Meer."