School kids in Coventry are set to benefit from thousands of pounds of free tennis equipment as part of the LTA's plans to deliver a lasting London 2012 legacy at next month's Davis Cup by BNP Paribas tie.
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and Tennis Foundation will make a ‘legacy pledge’ for every ace served during the 2013 Davis Cup tie against Russia in both the singles and doubles competition taking place 5-7 April at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry.
For every ace served during the Davis Cup, the LTA and Tennis Foundation will donate £200* worth of Babolat tennis equipment to primary schools located across Coventry. The schools identified as part of the 'legacy pledge' will be linked to wider plans being developed within priority areas in the Midlands.
In addition to this, 14 schools in the area will receive additional support in the form of coach led tennis lessons taking place at the schools during term time, ensuring the equipment is put to good use.
Tom Gibbins, Head of Education at the Tennis Foundation said: “This pledge shows our commitment to creating a tennis legacy following London 2012 across the UK. Activity like this at world-class events, such as the Davis Cup, offer an engaging way for us to provide free equipment to deserving schools across Coventry.
“Recent Davis Cup Ties have seen around 100 aces served, so that’s a huge number of schools throughout Coventry who will benefit from this pledge. We recently carried out the same campaign at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals for schools in London and received very positive feedback with 288 schools in London receiving equipment.”
Leon Smith, captain of the Aegon GB Davis Cup Team said; “This is fantastic initiative to promote tennis participation within the Midlands and one we are very proud to be helping to deliver.
“I hope through this pledge and by the Davis Cup taking place in the Midlands, it inspires more kids to get involved in the sport.”
*Each school will receive the following equipment:
- 30 Indoor Mini Tennis Sponge Balls
- 30 Outdoor Mini Tennis Red Felt Balls
- 1 roll of barrier tape
- 4 x 21” Mini Tennis Racket & Ball Sets
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