"Game On Accessible Tennis hosts 2nd annual tournament"

​

Cookeville, TN – June 15, 2026 – Game On Accessible Tennis hosted its annual Golden Parrot Summer Slam tennis tournament on Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7, 2026, at the Tennessee Tech University tennis courts in Cookeville, Tennessee.

​

This incredible, free event is bringing needed attention to adaptive and wheelchair tennis in Tennessee, offering athletes ages eight and up with intellectual or physical disabilities, as well as individuals who use wheelchairs, the chance to enjoy tennis play in a welcoming, fun environment. This competitive event uses modified equipment, timed matches, and a variety of court sizes to make the sport approachable, accessible, and safe.

​

The goal of the event is to offer an inclusive athletic experience that opens doors, celebrates potential, creates community, and recognizes that everybody can enjoy the sport of tennis. The free event kicked off Saturday with unified doubles matches at four levels, followed by a “Tennis 4 All” event for individuals of every ability level, a picnic lunch, and additional unified doubles matches. On Saturday evening, athletes were treated to a “Pizza and Pins” player party at Bowling World of Cookeville.

​

The competition continued on Sunday morning with a singles tournament with two divisions of athletes competing in full-court, timed tennis matches. Every participant received a medal to recognize their dedication and achievements. New for 2026, three players were selected to receive the “Paradise Dave Fins Up Award,” given to athletes who demonstrated a positive attitude, sense of humor, and quiet determination. This award is named in honor of David Lykins, a seasoned former local tennis player who is a great source of inspiration, comic relief, and encouragement for Game On Accessible Tennis. The 2026 Fins Up Award winners were Annie Lou Allen, Brandon Casal, and Alex Goetz.

​

In 2026 the tournament welcomed over 30 athletes from Georgia and Tennessee, as well as over 40 local volunteers, many of whom are local or regional tennis players. The event grew in size and scope from 2025, but it remains a free event, thanks to the donations of generous local sponsors including our premier sponsor, Advanced Cleaning Service of Algood.

​

"This tournament is the realization of a dream…we are improving the quality of life for our athletes and their families, fostering awareness about adaptive and wheelchair sports, and building an inclusive tennis community where everybody is welcomed and valued," said Melinda Mott Leftwich, Founder and Executive Director of Game On Accessible Tennis. "Athletes look forward to our tournament all year long, and we are excited to see the event grow in 2027. Our participants and their families, along with our amazing volunteers, made the Golden Parrot Summer Slam an incredible weekend!"

​

Game On Accessible Tennis is a charitable nonprofit organization which provides free, three-season tennis programs for people with physical disabilities, individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and people who use wheelchairs in the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee. Volunteer-led, Game On annually serves more than 50 athletes in two locations (Cookeville and Fairfield Glade). Game On is dedicated to making the sport engaging, competitive, and inclusive for all. Learn more at www.gameontennis.org.

 

Provided by Game On Accessible Tennis.

​

​

2026 TOURNAMENT PHOTOS COMING SOON!

​

​

​

​

​

3rd Annual Tournament / Date TBA - Spring / Happening early Summer 2027 in Cookeville, TN!

​

Our 3rd annual FREE event will feature singles and unified doubles play for athletes with cognitive and / or physical disabilities. Primary tournament play is appropriate for athletes ages 8 and older, who are playing short- or full-court tennis. Athletes who are ready to practice tossing, catching, and hitting to a target will enjoy our "Tennis 4 All" event on Saturday from 10-11 am and may stay to join us for a picnic lunch from 11-11:45 am.

​

Unified doubles play will be offered at levels 2, 3, 4, and 5 on Saturday. Singles play (with court monitors on hand to assist with scoring) will be offered at levels 3, 4, and 5 on Sunday. For a description of levels of play, check out our Playbook page.

​

Tennis matches will be scheduled Saturday and Sunday (depending on number of athletes), with a Saturday picnic lunch and a Pizza and Pins player party on Saturday night at Bowling World of Cookeville. The schedule will be determined based on number of participants, and athletes will play timed matches. Advance registration is required. All events will be played outdoors, and rain may cause schedule delays or modifications of formats.

​

SPECIAL NOTE:

​

Volunteers and sponsors are needed for 2027!  If you or your business would like to volunteer for or help sponsor this incredible weekend of tennis, camaraderie, and good old-fashioned fun, reach out to Coach Mel at gameontennis4all@gmail.com. 

​

​