Special Olympic athletes join tennis stars at annual COCO pickleball clinics

In addition to world's top tennis players, athletes from the Special Olympics also took to the Credit One Stadium courts during the 2026 Charleston Open. 

Teaming up with WTA players, the athletes practiced their pickleball skills during the Special Olympics Pickleball Clinic, which took place on March 31, and for a second session scheduled April 1. 

The athletes and tennis players competed in a pickleball-style tournament, enjoying the fun and sun during the midday sessions. 

This is the 16th consecutive year COCO hosted the tennis clinic, which features local and regional Special Olympic athletes. It's the longest-running event in the Women’s Tennis Association Foundation’s Special Olympics Series.