HAD inclusive tennis tournament set to be a big hit!
A local charity's inclusive tennis event looks like being a big hit. WGC-based HAD (Herts Action on Disability) is holding a pre-Christmas tournament for all wheelchair and learning disabilities players in the county and beyond.
It takes place on Sunday 13 December at Gosling Sports Park and is the brainchild of HAD Patron and keen tennis player Jeff Wayne and Fundraiser Paul Bishop.
"I met Jeff 30 years ago when we played at Radlett Tennis Club and we've been talking about putting on an event like this for a long time," Paul said. "Now we're both really pleased that it is going to happen."
Brookmans Park-based tennis player Marc Francis trains at Gosling every day and is also looking forward to the event.
Marc, 34, took up tennis in 2012 as a way of keeping active after losing a lot of weight: "I was 19 stone and after playing tennis for six months, I decided to participate in a national development competition, which was very tough but set me on my way.
"I then got the tennis bug and decided to dedicate myself to the game. My aim is to get a world ranking," Mark explained.
Mark has passed his Level 1 in coaching and will take Level 2 soon. He also coaches at Lonsdale School in Stevenage and also helps with wheelchair sessions at Gosling.
"We're so pleased Marc is taking part in the event and we hope lots more players from Herts and beyond compete," Paul said. "However, we want players of all abilities to take part, including beginners and youngsters.
"One of the courts on the day will be dedicated to taster and time tennis sessions and we welcome friends and families to come along and enjoy the day as well," Paul said.
The all-day tournament starts at 10am and will include singles and doubles events. There will be food and refreshments available as well as a fastest serve challenge.
More details of the tournament and entry forms are available via HAD's website:
www.hadnet.org.uk or you can call Paul on 07973 237162.
HAD provide a number of key services for older and disabled people including mobility equipment, accessible transport, driving lessons and assessments and information and advice.
For more information call 01707 324581 or visit www.hadnet.org.uk
