Visit Rise to the Possible exhibit
USTA COLORADO AND SPECIAL OLYMPICS COLORADO JOIN TOGETHER TO PRESENT ADAPTIVE TENNIS PORTRAIT SERIES
Breaking the Barriers. – Rise to the Possible
Inspired by the vision, dedication and legacy of Vicky Matarazzo, a long-time USTA Colorado volunteer and Volunteer Tennis Director for Special Olympics Colorado, USTA Colorado introduces the fourth installment of the critically acclaimed Breaking the Barriers portrait series, Rise to the Possible, celebrating adaptive tennis pioneers, contributors and rising stars in Colorado. Pulitzer prize-winning photojournalist, Barry Gutierrez, returns to deliver his stunning craftsmanship to a collection of colorful portraits capturing a moment-in-time of expressive inspiration.
The exhibit will be on display at the Denver Tennis Park (1560 S Franklin St, Denver, CO 80210) from September 26 through October 25, 2019. The exhibit is also available online.
An invitation-only VIP reception of government, business and community leaders will be held on Thursday, September 26 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm at the Denver Tennis Park to launch the exhibit and recognize the portrait profiles. During the reception, there will be a tennis exhibition featuring Unified Doubles play. In addition, the OathKeepers, the University of Colorado Dance Team and the Special Olympics Unified Cheer Team will be on hand to help in the celebration. The exhibit will be on display at the Denver Tennis Park through October 25, 2019.
Tennis serves as the backdrop for this exclusive Series, which highlights excellence, diversity and inclusion and health and wellness.
“USTA Colorado is committed to diversity and inclusion by making tennis accessible to diverse and under-resourced communities,” says Paula McClain, USTA Colorado marketing and diversity director. “Our goal is to inspire a new generation of tennis players and to encourage a healthy, fun family activity that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.”
“Special Olympics Colorado is honored to partner with the USTA Colorado on this beautiful portrait series that showcases the incredible abilities of the athletes of Special Olympics as well as the dedication of the coaches who work tirelessly alongside them,” says Special Olympics Colorado’s Interim President & CEO, Megan Toohey.
“Special Olympics Colorado and the USTA Colorado share in the vision of creating a Colorado where athletes of all abilities are celebrated and included. We are excited to use this series as a platform to inspire others to get involved.”
As a follow up to the highly successful “Breaking the Barriers” series exhibit of African Americans – An Exhibit of Courage, Latinos – ¡Vive el Tenis! and Asians – The Asian Connection Colorado standouts in tennis, Rise to the Possible speaks to the passion and motivation of tennis players, their families and coaches to achieve the best in the sport and life.
About United Tennis Association (USTA) and USTA Colorado District
One of six districts of the United States Tennis Association, USTA Colorado is the governing body of tennis in our state. Founded in 1955, USTA Colorado’s mission is to promote and develop tennis in Colorado by coordinating recreational and competitive tennis programs for players of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
About Special Olympics Colorado
Special Olympics Colorado provides year-round training and competition in 22 sports for 25,493 athletes with intellectual disabilities who are living in the state of Colorado. With the support of more than 13,000 volunteers and the generosity of Colorado citizens, corporations and local businesses, Special Olympics Colorado is able to offer more than 100 events annually to individuals ages 2 and up (oldest athlete is 78 years old). Participation with other athletes, Unified partners (typically developing peers), coaches, sponsors and volunteers builds confidence and creates opportunities to participate as productive and respected members of society by increasing public awareness of the athletes’ capabilities. For more information, visit SpecialOlympicsCO.org.
About Denver Tennis Park The Denver Tennis Park is an independent not for profit indoor/outdoor tennis facility dedicated to serving all kids of all abilities both on and offsite. The DTP works collaboratively with Denver Public Schools, the University of Denver and other mission-aligned organizations who share a belief in the power of physical and mental fitness to change lives. For more information, visit www.denvertennispark.org
About Barry Gutierrez
Barry Gutierrez is a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer and owner of Barry Gutierrez Photography. He specializes in serving corporate clients with the eye of a veteran photojournalist. Always pursuing his passion in photojournalism, Gutierrez has amassed a wide range of photographic talent that spans the gamut. For more information, visit www.barrygutierrez.com.
