Wheelchair Tennis Player From Homewood Gets USTA Scholarship

HOMEWOOD, IL - A Special Olympian from Homewood is one of the recipients of the 2018 Anne Krupp Memorial Scholarship from the USTA/Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation. Matthew Boerema, a wheelchair tennis player, will use the $500 scholarship he received from the organization to help pay for court time and travel in preparation for his participation in the 2018 Special Olympics National Games in Seattle this July.

Boerema has played tennis for more than 25 years and continues to compete in several advanced level tournaments every year, according to a news release. This year he's one of four to receive the scholarship named in memory of a longtime USTA volunteer.

The scholarship is given yearly to a select few who need additional training or assistance with travel to participate in Adaptive Tennis, Special Olympics or wheelchair tennis programs.

Locally, Boerema has become a favorite at the Homewood-Flossmoor Racquet & Fitness Club.

“Matt supports everyone at every level and can be found cheering on the sidelines when not playing himself. After matches are finished, Matt enjoys socializing with coaches and teammates,” said Cindy Heidkamp, USPTA at the club.

In addition to participating in the Special Olympics National Games this summer, Boerema plans to participate in the 2018 Special Olympics North American Championships later this year in Hilton Head, SC. He also will be volunteering at a disABILITIES Expo in Ft. Wayne, Ind. where he will be an ambassador for tennis and showcase his skills.

Photo courtesy of USTA/Midwest Section