Tower Hamlets has turned tennis mad after a brand new community tennis programme and newly upgraded facilities were launched recently.
To mark the occasion a free open day was hosted at Bethnal Green Gardens which saw hundreds of children pick up a racket, many of them for the first time.
Such was the excitement around the day two councillors from Bethnal Green South Ward stopped by unexpected – Councillor Sirajul Islam and Councillor Lesley Pavitt.
Councillor Sirajul said: “It was such a fantastic event and the turnout was incredible. I am delighted that I was there to experience the event and see lots of kids from the local area enjoying tennis.
“I am sure there is plenty of tennis talent to be unearthed in Tower Hamlets. The more we can promote the sport in the area the better.
“These new courts are a fantastic resource for the residents of Bethnal Green and particularly now that Tower Hamlets Tennis Ltd is running organised sessions for children and adults. They are providing great training and education.”
The day was supported by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), Tennis Foundation, Tower Hamlets Tennis and London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
All of the activity on the day was free and included LTA Mini Tennis, Cardio Tennis, inflatable Fastest Serve, Tennis Target Wall as well as a bouncy castle and food outlets.
The not-for-profit organisation – Tower Hamlets Tennis – aims to provide accessible, inclusive and enjoyable tennis to anyone wanting to pick up a racket, or anyone who thinks they might want to at least try. They are offering a series of fun community tennis programmes currently based at Bethnal Green Gardens, Victoria Park and have plans to expand their programmes out to Poplar and King Edward Memorial Park. To find out more information or to book courts go to www.towerhamletstennis.org.uk
Rachael Porsz, Community Tennis Project Manager, said: “The day was a big success, we had several hundred kids and adults attend and the place was buzzing. We managed to avoid the rain apart from one downpour and despite this everyone jumped back on court at the earliest possibility.”
The London Borough of Tower Hamlets have invested £10,000 in Bethnal Green Gardens and the LTA, with support from Sport England, have invested a further £19,740 in Bethnal Green Gardens and £86,261 in Victoria Park to provide upgraded facilities for Tower Hamlets Tennis programmes.
To find a playing partner, a local court or coach, register at www.allplaytennis.com