A smashing time had by all at Third Festival of Inclusive Tennis

Over 75 people of all ages and abilities enjoyed the Third Cambridge Festival of Inclusive Tennis at the University Sports Centre on Saturday, 20 July. It was truly inclusive with absolute beginners joining experienced players in the fun. It was a staggering success.

Young Charlie captured the fun of the day:

“This has been the best day ever! Can you put it on again in the summer holidays?”

Not every day Charlie, but there are plenty of opportunities in the city!

Cambridge Tennis Academy’s Rob Ellis, chief coach at the event, explained that inclusive tennis is available to all in the City:

“A number of clubs – mine based at Chesterton Sports Centre, and Cambridge Lawn Tennis Club in Wilberforce Road being just two examples – run inclusive sessions every week and will accommodate all needs whether players have a disability or are older or not. Just contact us via our website to find out more.”

Tim Arthur, chair of Cambridgeshire LTA, attended and was thrilled with the result of the grant they gave to enable the event to be held:

“To see so many youngsters, oldsters, and players from the disabled community, coming together to experience the fun of tennis was magnificent. Thanks to CADMuS, the Sports Centre and to Power2Inspire for making this happen.”

John Willis, a law graduate from Trinity Hall, born without fully formed arms and legs, set up Power2Inspire in 2013 to encourage more inclusion through sport. As a youngster he was left on the sidelines when it came to sport, so he is determined that “No one be left on the bench!” regardless of age, gender, race, faith or disability. He pointed to two older residents of the city who came along as they hadn’t played in years: “The Festival gave them the opportunity to experiment, sure in the knowledge they wouldn’t make a fool of themselves, and I hope it rekindled their love for tennis and they too will now join a club and not be left on the bench!”

John explains more about the event in the video here:

If you’re now inspired for Inclusive Sport then do join us at our next big event:

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