Redwood student launches inclusive tennis program at Strawberry Recreation District

Volunteers feed balls to players during the first ACEing Autism class on Oct. 3 at Strawberry Recreation District. Athletes practiced forehands and backhands, and the class ended with a game of red light, green light. (Tyler Callister / The Ark)

Jonah Bilsker first volunteered with an adaptive tennis program for children with autism in Los Gatos, among the closest to home. On Oct. 3 the Redwood High School junior opened Marin’s first on the upper courts at Strawberry Recreation District.

The program, run by the national nonprofit ACEing Autism, is a six-week series of classes that aims to help young athletes build tennis, motor and social skills.

Bilsker, a varsity tennis player, organized it with his mother, Ross resident Avi Downes, and serves as its on-court director.

Twelve high school volunteers and six young athletes turned out for the first class. Ten athletes had registered, but the heat kept some home. Volunteers fed balls to the athletes, who practiced forehands and backhands, and the session ended with a game of red light, green light.

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