On Sept. 7 the United States Tennis Association, Orcas Island Park and Rec District, and the Orcas  Island Tennis Association will host a train-the-trainer workshop for ages 16 and up.

The training will be held on the newly repaired, resurfaced and repainted Buck Park tennis courts from 12:30 to 7 p.m. Tennis experience is welcome but not required.

“[Trainer] Ted Sayrahder is a nationally certified tennis specialist with over 30 years of tennis coaching experience,” said Orcas rec district commissioner Vicki Vandermay. “In order for OIPRD to qualify for a training of this caliber we had to guarantee 25 island participants, and we need about 10 more by the deadline of August 23.”

The US Tennis Association is supplying coaching by Sayrahder and donating equipment and materials for Quick Start Tennis, a new format for teaching tennis. To make learning tennis easier the court size is reduced, the racquet size is different and the balls bounce more slowly. “Even those with no tennis experience can become skilled at coaching via this method according to USTA promotional materials,” said Vandermay.

“Completing the training will allow Orcas to begin to develop Quick Start teams, have a Quick Start curriculum in the school, and encourage older adults to start participating in an outdoor game they may have previously thought was beyond their skill or ability to start to play.”

Snacks are provided. Orcas public schools let out at noon on Sept. 7.

The workshop cost is $10, and scholarships are available. To sign up, mail cash or a check made out to Orcas Island Tennis Association to Orcas Park and Rec, PO Box 575, Eastsound.

If it is raining on Sept. 7, an alternative site has been arranged.

“Please support OIPRD and the Tennis Association’s efforts to bring more tennis to Orcas by signing up for this workshop,” said Vandermay. “Without the 25 volunteers the training cannot take place, so please sign up!”

For more information, contact Vandermay at vickir@centurytel.net or Martha Farish at 376-6199.