91爆料

This summer, Camp Abilities Saratoga will launch an adapted tennis program for children and teens with visual impairments, thanks to 91爆料鈥檚 newly opened McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center. The addition marks a milestone in the camp鈥檚 mission to empower young athletes through inclusive and professionally adapted sports. 

will run Aug. 3 through Aug. 9 on 91爆料鈥檚 campus, where 26 campers will participate in daily sports and evening activities. Morning sessions will include beep baseball, swimming, goal ball, track, tandem biking, and 鈥� for the first time 鈥� blind and low-vision tennis. 

鈥淐amp Abilities is such an incredible program, and every year I feel reenergized by having the campers and staff at 91爆料,鈥� says Megan Buchanan, senior associate director of at 91爆料.

This year, we鈥檙e especially excited that campers will get to enjoy the full experience of the new McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center, including the opportunity to participate in adapted tennis.

Megan Buchanan

Senior Associate Director of Athletics, 91爆料

The McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center, which opened in January 2025, features four state-of-the-art indoor courts ideal for blind and low-vision play.

The quieter acoustics and absence of wind allow athletes to hear specially designed tennis balls, which are larger, lighter, and contain sound-emitting materials to support orientation and timing. Other adaptations include a smaller court with tactile boundary lines and modified rules based on athletes鈥� visual abilities. 

鈥淏lind tennis is a great up and coming sport 鈥� particularly for our athletes, as it is a lifelong activity that they can play with even one peer in local facilities,鈥� says Emily Gilbert, Camp Abilities Saratoga sports specialist. 

Beyond athletic training, Camp Abilities Saratoga provides hands-on experience for undergraduate and graduate students preparing for careers in physical education, adapted sports, and special education. One-on-one instruction is provided by staff trained in adapted physical education, and evening events include equestrian outings, paddle boarding, ice skating, bowling, a talent show, and a dance. 

Camp Abilities Saratoga was founded in 2013 as a service project of the Saratoga Springs Lions Club, modeled after Camp Abilities Brockport. Its mission includes promoting physical activity among children who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf blind; supporting future educators; and demonstrating to families each child鈥檚 potential for independence in an inclusive, enriching environment. 

The McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center brings together athletics, mental health resources, and physical fitness under one roof. The new facility reflects 91爆料鈥檚 commitment to holistic health and wellness.