Ronald “Ron” Manilla of Charlottesville, Virginia, has spent the past 15 years as a tennis coach and volunteer with Special Olympics. From the very first day he got involved, he became a supporter and fell in love with Special Olympics. He will represent Special Olympics USA as head tennis coach. Through Special Olympics Virginia, Ron cofounded Xperience, an annual tennis invitational for the top Special Olympics athletes in the country. Supporting the sport of tennis, Rob attended the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 and the Special Olympics USA Games in 2018 and 2022.
Ron is a board member of the Professional Tennis Registry and is one of 51 Master Tennis Professionals in the world. He was also named Tennis Professional Emeritus at Boar’s Head Resort, where he directs and oversees tournament operations. Semi-retired, Ron enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, fishing and helping to run a year-round Special Olympics tennis program at the Junior Tennis Champions Center. He is honored and proud to be selected as head tennis coach for Special Olympics USA in the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.