10-year-old girl gifted special wheelchair to help her play tennis

10-year-old Morgan Jenkins was given a new wheelchair, thanks to a local organization’s grant.

When Morgan was in 3rd grade, her mom signed her up to play Tennis with Wake Forest Parks and Recreation. Morgan’s mom, Janeka Jenkins, said Morgan’s coaches thought her daughter was a good tennis player.

Now in 4th grade, Morgan is currently enrolled in the Undiagnosed Disease Network with the National Institute of Health and Harvard.

Her parents told WRAL News that Morgan was hitting all her milestones until she turned 15 months old. They said she began regressing, losing the ability to stand or speak normally. She went through a lot of testing, but doctors have yet to find a diagnosis.

It hasn’t slowed her down though.

"I really love tennis," Morgan said. "I play like every Saturday."

Wake Forest Parks and Recreation is one of several places in the Triangle that has an Abilities Tennis Program.

This program is part of the Abilities Tennis Association of North Carolina (ATANC). The association aims to give those with physical or intellectual disabilities the chance to play tennis.

This is where Morgan’s family met David, who is part of the ATANC.

"He stated, Morgan’s pretty good and if she’s really interested and this is something she wants to continue, we could possibly look into getting her a grant for this wheelchair," Janeka said.

Morgan’s family decided to apply for that grant, which they received. Morgan was presented with her wheelchair on Saturday.

"We’re so grateful for that," Janeka said.

This wheelchair will allow Morgan to move better, whereas her old chair was more about safety than agility. Something Morgan’s father, Lawrence, said is a huge help.

"It didn’t really allow for some of the lateral movements that you have to make in tennis," Lawrence said. "When they presented her with the [new] wheelchair yesterday, immediately Morgan could recognize the difference."

Lawrence said this wheelchair allows Morgan to make movements that most able-bodied people take for granted, like moving from left to right or switching hands while playing tennis.

He said the support of the organization has meant a lot.

"It really shows that they are invested in inclusiveness," Lawrence said. "Being able to provide Morgan, or someone in Morgan’s position the ability to be a little bit more mobile in a sport they enjoy, it means a lot."

Janeka told WRAL News that this chair was designed to give Morgan room to grow, so they anticipate Morgan will be able to use the chair at least until she gets to high school.

"I want to thank Abilities Tennis for this opportunity for Morgan," Janeka said. "We’re just beyond grateful for this opportunity for Morgan and are excited to see where she can go with it."

As for Morgan, she said she has no plans to stop playing tennis.

"I would like to continue tennis," Morgan said. "And also, I might do tennis in college or after I graduate college."