Hosted annually in January at The Sports Club, the Special Olympics Xperience Tennis Invitiational is a top-tier tennis tournament featuring high-caliber Special Olympics tennis athletes from around the country. The Xperience Tennis Invitational stands as one of the premier Special Olympics tennis events in the country, offering athletes a focused, competitive weekend at a top-tier facility.
The Xperience was born from a vision held by Barbara Fried, inspired by her son Jonathan Fried—a local athlete and Special Olympics tennis champion—who needed a more competitive playing field. Working alongside Boar's Head Resort Tournament Director Ron Manilla and former Special Olympics Virginia President Rick Jefferies, Barbara helped shape the Xperience to ensure athletes with intellectual disabilities receive the same professional-caliber tennis experience as their peers.
The Special Olympics community is open to all! Community members can volunteer by helping fill tournament roles or by filling the stands. With support and attendance from the UVA Tennis team, the event truly becomes a collective effort.
Hosted every year in the fall, the Jonathan Fried Men's Pro Challenger brings top competition to The Sports Club. Proceeds benefit the Special Olympics Xperience.