The BRWTA, Cajun Classic, Hallowheel tournament, kid’s carnival, and all other BRWTA activities are supported exclusively through sponsorships and contributions, both direct financial and in-kind. We need and deeply appreciate support of all kinds, and we invite you to become part of our efforts to promote wheelchair tennis to all ages and abilities.
You can help …
Sponsor the Cajun Classic You or your company can become a sponsor of the world-class Cajun Classic, held every March in Baton Rouge. Click here to see our Sponsorship Package to find the level that best suits you.
Make an individual contribution We deeply appreciate donations made to BRWTA, and we assure you that every dollar we receive is valued and used to offset real expenses associated with the Cajun Classic and other BRWTA activities that promote and benefit wheelchair tennis. Thank you for your generous support and kindness.
To make a contribution to BRWTA, scan the QR code on the right, or click on this link to Venmo. You may also contribute through the PayPal link below.
It all began in 1983 in Natchez, MS, when local tennis player and high school tennis coach, Jeanie Peabody, wanted to help her godchild, Laura Pritchartt return to an active lifestyle and play tennis after becoming a quadriplegic from a car accident. In an effort to increase awareness and participation in the community, Jeanie brought the tournament to Baton Rouge and thus, the BRWTA and the Cajun Classic were formed.
Our Volunteer Board 2015-16 Pictured (front row, l-r) Rich Swanson, Dawn Swanson, Cajun Classic Tournament Director Jennifer Edmonson, Marilu Major, Dawn Tregre, and Mitch Bourgeois; (second row, l-r) Mary Beth Campagna, Douglas Burket, Martha Turner, Liz Heath, Lynn Serio, Roxane Bingham, Butley Mahler, Emily Greene, and Rusty Jabour; (top row, l-r) Erin Meyers, Dee LeBauve, Maria Magee, Danielle Morris, Abby Heath, Kathrin Sieberth, and Lynn Hitchcock.
Over the years the Cajun Classic tournament has grown to become an internationally sanctioned event where both professional players and amateurs can come to participate in a competitive yet social event. The tournament is open to people of all ages with all disabilities, including paraplegics, quadriplegics, amputees, and those with birth defects.
In 2015, BRWTA produced the inaugural “Hallowheel” charity tennis tournament, Oct. 30 – Nov. 1, 2015, in Baton Rouge, to raise funds to help the Cajun Classic. The annual Hallowheel tournament features a main draw of traditional men’s and women’s doubles and a special “Up-Down” draw where wheelchair players are partnered with able-bodied players for doubles competition. In 2017, a pickleball tournament was added to Hallowheel, and since 2015, the Hallowheel events have raised more than $300,118 for the Cajun Classic.
BRWTA also hosts the Hallowheel Adapted / Wheelchair Tennis Carnival each October in Baton Rouge for children who are new to tennis. The carnival features games, prizes, mobility exercises and tennis instruction. The BRWTA also hosts adapted wheelchair tennis events in other cities, including Lafayette, Shreveport, and New Orleans.
If you would like more information about any of our programs, including the Cajun Classic Wheelchair Tennis Tournament, the Hallowheel charity tennis and pickleball tournaments, the Hallowheel Adapted / Wheelchair Tennis Carnival, or other special events, please contact Jennifer Edmonson via email at jennedmonson@aol.com.
Baton Rouge Wheelchair Tennis Association 