Focusing on technique instead of the score, Jean “Sunny” Schiffmann said she was pleased with her play at the United States Tennis Association National Women’s 70, 80, 90 Indoor Championships.
The 92-year-old Battle Ground resident played both singles and doubles in the 90-and-older division of the tournament, which ended last week at Club Green Meadows in Vancouver.
In singles, Schiffmann lost her four matches in straight sets, but was glad she won nine games along the way.
“My goal was to try to run more and to learn things from these ladies,” Schiffmann said.
She also wanted to practice fundamentals taught to her by Club Green Meadows pro Nancy Ansboury in three lesson’s prior to this tournament.
“My focus was on proper form and anticipation rather than on hitting the ball where I might win the point. I was happy that most of the time I could do that, even though I did not win very many games,” she said.
In 90s doubles, Schiffmann and Jean Hays of Portland earned a bronze ball trophy despite losing both of their matches. Hays, 91, plays for the Vancouver Tennis Center in city league team tennis matches.
Girlfriends run, walk is Sunday
The 10th edition of the Girlfriends Run for a Cure takes place on Sunday in Vancouver.
Featuring a 13.1-mile half-marathon and a 6.55-mile quarter-marathon course, the races for women only begin at 9 a.m. in downtown Vancouver. Women can run or walk in the event, which has raised about $400,000 for breast cancer charities since 2007.
Through Thursday, the cost to register is $75, $40 for ages 16 and younger. After Thursday, the cost is $80 for women and $45 for ages 16 and younger. Participants are encouraged to register and to pick up their packets in advance, according to race founder Sherri McMillan.
To register, call 360-574-7292 or visit nwpersonaltraining.com.
Packet pick-up times for preregistered runners are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday at Fleet Feet Sports Vancouver store, 16020 SE Mill Plain Blvd, Ste. 113. On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., participants can register or pick up packets at the Fleet Feet Sports Portland store, 2258 N.W. Raleigh Street.
The first Girlfriends race was held in October of 2007, inspired by the breast cancer battle of Joleen Skarberg. That Skarberg will be participating in her 10th Girlfriends race makes the event special, McMillan said.
McMillan said registration is on pace to match last year’s numbers, when about 1,000 women combined completed the two races. She said that 52 men have paid or raised at least $500 apiece for the Pink Lemonade Project. Some of the Pink Brigade Guys run or walk the course and others will volunteer, McMillan said.
Swim classes for visually impaired
A swimming class for blind visually impaired individuals of all ages will be offered next month at the Washington State School for the Blind.
Scheduled for the first three Sundays in November, the program is offered by the Vancouver-based Northwest Association for Blind Athletes.
On Nov. 6, the lessons will be open only to children. The Nov. 13 and Nov. 20 classes are open to all ages.
To learn more, or to sign up for this program, visit www.nwaba.org or call 360-448-7254.
COMMUNITY SPORTS NEWS is published each Tuesday. Submit items by email to paul.danzer@columbian.com, or by calling 360-735-4521.
