New tennis program to start this spring

The Buffalo Niagara Community Tennis Association, a not-for-profit community group, will be offering a new adaptive tennis program in the spring of 2008, specifically geared for children with autism ages 5 to 16.

The eight-week program, "Shining Stars," will consist of instructional tennis lessons built on a foundation of scientifically proven, applied behavioral analysis techniques. "Shining Stars" will be offered at local tennis clubs at a reduced cost.

In other tennis news: A tennis tournament fundraiser welcoming Jimmy Arias back to Buffalo will be held next February or March. The tournament will run simultaneously at the Village Glen Tennis Club, 162 Mill Street, Williamsville, and the Miller Tennis Center, 5959 Sheridan Drive. Food and a silent auction will also be available for each participant.

Volunteers are currently being sought for the fundraiser tournament and the adaptive tennis program. For more information, call Pam Almeter at 435-4356.