The courts were quiet, the stands still empty, when the first cheers rose from a group of young athletes in bright blue shirts. They weren’t pros (yet), but they played like the whole world was watching.
ACEing Autism athlete Maddie LoPiccolo smiling at a clinic at the U.S. Open led by ACEing’s Justin Belisario, Director of Program Operations.
Before the stadiums filled for championship tennis at the U.S. Open, nearly 100 children and adults with special needs took to the court at the tournament’s Court of Dreams clinic.
“Every year, we’re reminded how inclusion through tennis empowers kids like Maddie to shine,” said Sandy LoPiccolo, mom of ACEing athlete Maddie.
Natasha Scott, mom of 8-year-old twins and ACEing athletes Skarlett and Skylar added, “I have seen so much improvement in their motor function, their ability to follow multistep directions, and their ability just to follow through on a task. I love this clinic.”
The clinic was led by ACEing Autism’s Justin Belisario, with leaders from across the country supporting the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the Beautiful Lives Project. Justin and the team also joined Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, introducing even more families to the joy of tennis.
Building Leaders and Expanding Impact
Just weeks earlier, ACEing Autism brought inclusive tennis to the legendary courts of the Cincinnati Open. Local children stepped onto the same courts as Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff, an unforgettable experience.
Cincinnati also hosted ACEing Autism’s largest volunteer conference to date, gathering 125 program leaders and regional program directors from across the country.
ACEing Autism program leaders in Cincinnati.
Over three days, they shared ideas, built connections, and explored how to better serve their athletes and families.
“The conference was filled with shared ideas, best practices, and meaningful conversations about how we can continue improving the delivery of tennis for children and adults with autism,” said Richard Spurling, Executive Director and Founder of ACEing Autism.
“We are not just building programs. We are building leaders who will create lasting impact in their communities.”
The conference also featured Amanda J. Visek, PhD, CMPC, FAASP, who shared her groundbreaking “fun determinant” findings from her study of ACEing athletes, a powerful reminder of what truly drives joy and engagement in sport.
A Movement Gaining Momentum
From New York to Cincinnati, ACEing Autism is proving that inclusion belongs on the biggest stages. And this is only the beginning.
