Tennis is widely enjoyed as a favorite leisure activity for all individuals, regardless of mental retardation, gender or
age. Tennis is a sport Special Olympics athletes can enjoy and benefit from even when not competing in an official
Special Olympics competition. Tennis gives athletes the opportunity to learn and perform a variety of skills that can
be played throughout life.
    In World Games competition tennis is rapidly expanding. In 1987, 18 athletes from 3 countries competed in this
event. By the 1995 World Games the number of athletes reached 158, representing fifteen countries.

Events

    Special Olympics athletes compete in all typical events, such as singles and doubles. Unified Sports events and individual skills contests are also offered. The individual skills contest provides athletes of lower ability to compete in events such as target serve and bounce, the return shot and racket bounce.