What a brilliant morning of tennis we enjoyed at the Cambridge University Sports Centre on Saturday 29 November! The inclusive event brought together a wonderful mix of players, more than 40 athletes plus parents and carers, and from the moment the session began, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement, laughter and enthusiasm.
The session was superbly led by Rob Ellis and his team from Cambridge Tennis Academy, who ensured everyone felt welcomed, supported and included, regardless of age, experience, or ability. We are enormously grateful to CADMUS for sharing their usual Saturday slot; it was fantastic to see so many CADMUS members taking part and clearly loving every minute.
A truly inclusive mix of players
This was inclusive sport at its very best. The morning featured a rich variety of players, wheelchair users, children and adults with learning disabilities, people with physical disabilities, and others rediscovering tennis after time away. Each participant was fully involved, and it was especially wonderful to watch the wheelchair players enjoy a dedicated, lively game together.
There was some really impressive tennis on show too! One highlight was a spirited 7- or 8-a-side game that had players totally absorbed and fiercely competitive (in a very friendly way, of course!). As umpire, Rob Ellis just about managed to keep everything under control…just!
Voices from the court
During the morning, there were many conversations with parents, carers, and players about the opportunities available to continue playing and developing in the sport. Their enthusiasm for future sessions was clear. One teenage player with additional needs, who is already a passionate tennis fan, summed up her experience beautifully:
“I enjoyed the teamwork between the different skill levels; it felt like a break as well as a challenge. It was more light-hearted and enjoyable than full-on matches normally are, and I had a really great time. I’m already looking forward to the next one!”
Her mother added:
“It was lovely to watch everyone who wanted to play tennis be included, no matter their abilities or disabilities. Everyone was treated as equals and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.”
No one left on the bench!
From every perspective, this was a hugely successful and uplifting event. Inclusivity wasn’t just talked about, it was lived. Every participant contributed, every player was valued, and everyone left smiling.
A big thank you goes to Power2Inspire, CADMUS, and Cambridge Tennis Academy for their hard work in making the morning such a joyful and memorable celebration of sport for all.
Here’s to many more sessions like this — where absolutely no-one gets left on the bench!
Steve Shaw, Inclusion Officer, Cambs LTA
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
If you would like to support us in our mission to “embed inclusive sport in the sporting, education and community landscapes” then we would love to hear from you. Would you like to host a SuperSensory1K at your local Fun Run or Park Run? Or would you like to volunteer at our next Festival of Inclusive Sport? Or could you give to the ongoing work of Power2Inspire. Click the button here to find out more.
If you’re inspired for Inclusive Sport then do join us at any of our next big events:
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