Sunderland Tennis Centre hosted a visually impaired fundraiser on Friday 22nd March. The session aimed to increase the awareness of visually impaired tennis in local area as well as fund further tennis opportunities for people in the North East.
12 people attended the fundraiser; these participants were mixed between people who suffered from severe sighting impairment to sighted individuals. The 12 participants took part in a mini tournament; those players who were sighted wore sim glasses which create the sight of person with partial vision. Sound balls were also used as well which allow the players to hear the travel of the ball. The event raised £40 which will be used to help promote future events and fund equipment.
The people who came along were from various organisations including Universities, Lawn Tennis Association, Sunderland Tennis Centre and the local area. They included Stuart, Wendy, Viv, Andrea, Callum, Jo, Alistair, Vince, Ashleigh, along with Matt Wigham who is Sunderland Uni's University Tennis Cooridator. Sam and Maria came from the Uni to get involved and have a great Friday afternoon!
Stuart Oliver who attended the afternoon said “it was great fun, everyone really got involved with the event and it highlighted that tennis is a game for everyone”. Overall the event was a great success and helped support visually impaired tennis in the North East.
The next fundraiser will be held again at Sunderland Tennis Centre on 7th June 2013.
Please see some video's from the event below.
Video 1 - Andrea Field
Video 2 - Wendy and Andrea on court 2 then Matt shows incredible fight to attempt to get some of Callum's shots back!
Video 3 - Viv and Maria. Lucky net cord by Maria!!!! Like it :)
Video 4 - Jo and Callum Rally Rally Rally!
Video 5 - Ashleigh v Wendy!