Tees Valley Sound Tennis have been awarded the ‘Outstanding Club of the Year 2018’ at the North East Disability Sports Awards.
The competition was fierce with so many deserving and inspirational stories from across the region. Dave Donnelly (the TVST Chairman) picked up the award and commented on the hard work and dedication of players who regularly travel around the North East to train for regional, national and international competitions.
Since the group began in 2014, the Club has gone from strength to strength and the standard of play has improved tremendously. This is due to the dedication of players as well as the high level of coaching delivered by Tennis World and local coaches with a visual impairment, not forgetting the invaluable support offered by a committed group of volunteers.
The Club feels honoured to have been nominated and thrilled to receive this prestigious award. It truly shows that the hard work and commitment to developing and improving the club has been recognised. 2018 was an excellent year for the venue; from the seven regional tournaments held across the country, players brought back five Singles and two Doubles Winners’ trophies and eight Singles and two Doubles runners-up trophies. At International level, Rosine Pybus won a Silver medal, whilst Anthony Harrison rounded off the year by becoming the B1 Men’s National Blind Tennis Champion at Loughborough. The Club is very proud of their players, who work tremendously hard through the year to improve their tennis skills.
As well as the Club's great success on court, Tees Valley Sound Tennis has a strong community spirit. This is highlighted in the many fundraising and social activities arranged throughout the year. Last year, for example, a group walked the 21 miles of the Cinder Track from Scarborough to Whitby to raise vital funds for their club.
Jan Donnelly who is the Club Secretary expressed their delight:
“We’ve come a long way since we began five years ago. We will continue to work hard, growing the game in the North East and look forward to more success in the future.”
The awards, which were held at the Kingston Park Stadium, recognise and celebrate the achievements of participants, coaches and clubs involved in disability sport during 2018. Almost 200 guests from the world of sport were in attendance at the event, with over 70 individuals and clubs nominated for the ten awards on offer.
David Marrin, assistant director of Tyne & Wear Sport said:
“These awards are a fantastic way to celebrate the successes of our region’s sporting stars. Everyone nominated deserves the highest of praise and recognition for their commitment and achievements.”
For further information please contact Jo Cunliffe (LTA Workforce Development Partner on 07958 233715 or Jo.Cunliffe@LTA.org.uk).