By Tamas Mondovics
The Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center (BSAC) Tennis for Fun Program was pleased to announce the success of two of its members, identical twins Bryan and Ryan Fisher, as the recent winners of this year’s Hillsborough County Zenay Morales Courage Award. According to BSAC officials, the nominations submitted on behalf of the two boys speaks for itself.
At the age of three the two were diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder. As physically active members of community, Bryan and Ryan compete in four Special Olympic sports, including basketball, golf, bowling and tennis. The two joined the Tennis For Fun clinics in 2003. With the Tennis For Fun focusing on individual skills, Bryan and Ryan were among the first to develop sufficient skills to move up to singles, which led them to compete at the highest level of Special Olympics singles.
“They are an inspiration to all of the Tennis For Fun family, while they work as coaches and assist with other athletes on the mini-tennis courts demonstrating a positive and encouraging attitude,” quotes their nomination.
Bryan and Ryan are also members of the YMCA where they work out at least six hours each week. They are members of Special Olympics “Get Fit for Sport Team Florida.”
The boys’ community involvement includes volunteer efforts for Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO) where, for the past seven years, they have been helping out every Monday and Thursday.
Ryan also plays the piano and Bryan plays the harmonica for their Sunday school class. Ryan also enjoys playing the piano for the visitors of Cracker Country at the Florida State Fair Grounds and Bryan plays the harmonica for Harmoniguys at assisted living facilities every week. For more information, call 689-0908 or visit www.tennisforfun.org.
