SAN DIEGO, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Ashford University is sponsoring a tennis clinic for the San Diego County Special Olympics organization on Monday, Nov. 2, from 6:00-7:30 pm. The event is expected to attract nearly 40 athletes and more than 70 employee volunteers from Ashford's San Diego office.

This marks the fourth year Ashford University has sponsored a Special Olympics tennis clinic in San Diego and, after the success of last years' event, we are excited to continue the tradition. As the founder of the clinic and a former tennis teaching professional, I am honored to share the court with athletes from San Diego County's Special Olympics and hope that the clinic inspires them to pursue the game further," said David Vande Pol, senior director of academic partnerships for Ashford University.

The clinic will consist of a series of 10 minute drills where athletes will have the chance to learn the forehand, backhand, serve, service return, volley, lob, and more. The event will take place at the Peninsula Tennis Club in Ocean Beach. Members of the San Diego State University (SDSU) tennis team will also volunteer their time to instruct the athletes.

"We are looking forward to this fun, well-organized, and professional clinic for our Special Olympics athletes," said Jamie Brown, regional director, Special Olympics Southern California, San Diego & Imperial Counties. "It's a great opportunity for our athletes to train alongside SDSU tennis players as well as connect with a caring group of Ashford University volunteers. Anytime an organization rallies around our athletes, we welcome them!"

Ashford University sponsored a similar event in Iowa with the Iowa Special Olympics organization in September.

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, director of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

About Special Olympics San Diego

Special Olympics Southern California has offered year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities for nearly 40 years. 13,000 athletes in 11 counties train and compete in 12 Olympic-type sports. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to develop fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with other athletes, their families and the community. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics. For more information, visit www.sosc.org.

SOURCE: Ashford University

Web site: http://www.ashford.edu/
http://www.ncahlc.org/
http://www.sosc.org/