Over 60 people with a learning disability as well as family, carers and friends, took part in a Bexley Matchplay Tennis Event supported by Kent Tennis and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) at Bexleyheath Tennis club on Tuesday 2nd September.
The event was organised by Bexley Disability Sports Network, and supported by Bexley Mencap, Re-Instate and NHS Oxleas. It was particularly pleasing to see so many players from local day centres such as Ken Boyce, Smerdon and Carlton, keen to play and practice with their friends from the wider learning disability community. The event even attracted out of borough players with a group of players from All Directions day centre in Dartford arriving early to join in the fun. Also present were the sports leads from Royal Mencap Society and Bexley Council.
Sponsored by Kent Tennis and the LTA, the event consisted of a series of special tennis challenges such as hitting the ball into hula hoops and knocking over cones as well as practising base line serving and lots of flowing rallies and eagerly contested matchplay points.
All four tennis courts were in constant use, as more experienced players like those at Bexley Mencap who play every week had the chance to show off their shots and skills, while beginners were able to receive special coaching and tips from members of the tennis club.
Josh Hayre, of Re-Instate and co-ordinator of Bexley Disability Sports Network said:
It’s lovely to see what can be achieved through the Bexley Disability Sports Network when organisations come together. We ran another successful Bexley Matchplay Tennis event which was enjoyed by disabled people from all over the Borough. I had so many people asking if we could do this every week, so it’s time to start planning the next one. A special shout out to Kent Tennis and the Lawn Tennis Association who made this possible through their funding and support on the day.’
Sharon Rodriges of NHS Oxleas and Bexleyheath Tennis Club said:
‘Another great turnout to play tennis and how wonderful to see how so many have improved since last year especially as for some, it’s their first time playing tennis tennis! What an amazing morning of tennis seeing everyone having a go and enjoying every moment!!’
Bexleyheath Tennis Club President, Claire O’Brien added:
‘It was an absolute pleasure for us in Bexleyheath tennis club to host the event today – it is so important that we work with organisations to ensure greater access to the wonderful game of tennis – it was such an enjoyable morning playing alongside everyone today – it was lovely to see all of our courts in use with some incredibly talented individuals in the group – we look forward to hosting future events.’
Vaness Oakes, Kent Tennis inclusion coach mentor, was similarly impressed.
‘A huge thank you to all the fantastic organisations that came together to make the Bexley Matchplay Tennis Day such a success! Kent Tennis was thrilled to be part of this event, which was filled with smiles, laughter, and pure enjoyment. The atmosphere was fantastic, and it was wonderful to see so many people having a great time on court.’
Vanessa kindly awarded new tennis racquets to two players who particularly impressed her with their enthusiasm and determination.
One of them. Safira, from Re-Instate, said: ‘I enjoyed playing tennis with my friends and meeting new people at the same time. It’s great to have a new racquet and I hope to play again very soon!’
Regular player, Sam, of Bexley Mencap, agreed saying; ‘It’s great to play with different players – some I’ve known for ages but we’ve never played tennis before.’
‘We are proud to support the LTA’s Open Court programme to make tennis more accessible and inclusive to everyone,’ said Nick Marsden, of Bexley Mencap, who led the coaching on the day. ‘It was great to welcome back players from June’s Sports Day, keen to practice more skills as well as new members who haven’t had the chance to play much tennis before.’
Taking part in regular sports and keep fit activities like tennis is an important factor in improving the health and wellbeing of people with a learning disability as well as helping with building confidence and developing friendships and social skills.
Everybody who took part received Tennis certificates and medals.