Wheelchair Tennis First for Cornwall

This weekend a new event was added to the programme with our first 3 day Wheelchair Tennis Break. As well as players from Cornwall there were also players who travelled from Devon and even as far away as Kent.

The break was conceived and set-up by Paul Roberts, Heron’s tennis development officer, and over the three days, players enjoyed a wide range of drills and activities to help them improve all areas of their game and there was also Cornwall’s first ever wheelchair tennis competition.

A huge amount of energy was expended and a lot of great tennis was played both in the coaching sessions and in the tournament. The tournament was possibly one of the highlights of the weekend and for several players it was their first taste of competition. For the record our champion for this year was Andrea, with Debbie and Simon both coming in a very close joint second.

Many thanks go to the Heron club members (Tina, Dave, Robbie and Chris) who joined in to help at various times and also to Steve Hillman, Cornwall’s inclusion officer, and Steve Askey, Heron’s director of coaching for all their help and support.

..and there was an extra treat as multi gold-medal winning wheelchair tennis paralympian Peter Norfolk popped in to say hello and see the players in action.

As much as the reason for the break was the tennis, one of the biggest benefits and most positive aspects over the three days was the fun and the friendships that everyone enjoyed and the group meal out together on the Saturday night really highlighted how great sport can be for bringing people together and helping to forge new friendships. The next break is eagerly anticipated!

You don’t have to be a wheelchair user to play wheelchair tennis and if you/or anyone you know has mobility issues and might like to come and join our friendly group, please do contact Paul Roberts on 01637 877555. All equipment, including specialist chairs, is provided and the approach is very much all about having fun and making friends as you discover what you can do from whatever level you start out at.