By MARK PATTON
Santa Barbara News-Press Senior Writer
The sixth annual Special Olympics Tennis Classic raised nearly $6,000 as well as the spirits of 31 Special Olympians from Santa Barbara and Santa Maria.
Inclusion was the theme, with the Special Olympians pairing up with about 50 athletes from UCSB, Westmont College and SBCC, as well as Santa Barbara, San Marcos and Dos Pueblos high schools.
Coaches and student-athletes from the SBCC men's and women's tennis teams participated in the event at the Santa Barbara Tennis Club.
"Everyone had an amazing time, and many of the Special Olympics athletes were able to partner with the same local tennis player they had partnered with in previous years," said Tim Philibosian, the sports manager for Santa Barbara Special Olympics.
A procession of athletes and a rendition of the national anthem sung by Special Olympian Jessica Simon got things started. The athletes then played on mini-courts.
"That allowed for a lot more hitting, although some of the athletes did stay to play on the bigger courts with adults," said volunteer Liz Frech, the varsity boys tennis coach at Dos Pueblos High.
Lead volunteers from the high schools included K.C. Egger, Saylor Yoos, and Siena and Serina Applebaum from Dos Pueblos, as well as Renee Handley from San Marcos.
"They made sure everything ran smoothly," Frech said.
