Double Paralympic champion Peter Norfolk MBE will be inspiring the next generation of players at a Disability Tennis Festival to be held in Nottingham on 3rd December.
Run by the Tennis Foundation, in partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association, International Tennis Federation and the University of Nottingham, the Festival will celebrate the United Nation’s International Day for Persons with a Disability at Nottingham Tennis Centre.
The Festival is aimed at a wide audience from volunteers and schools to local members of the community who can try tennis for the first time.
“We want to keep the momentum from the London 2012 Paralympic Games going and days like this in Nottingham can show the range of options available for disabled people to get involved in tennis whether it’s playing for fun, competing, coaching or volunteering,” said Norfolk, who has won five medals at the previous three Paralympic Games.
“The best thing about tennis is how adaptable it is and a lot of people think wheelchair tennis is the only option but the sport can be adapted for anyone, for example if you have a learning disability or are deaf or visually impaired.
“I wouldn’t have continued my career for so long if tennis hadn’t given me so much enjoyment and satisfaction to play nearly every day. It’s easier than you think so I really encourage everyone to come down and have a go at the Festival or just head to a local tennis venue near you.”
The event takes place at Nottingham Tennis Centre from 10am until 3pm with disability inclusion training in the morning for those who deliver tennis, including officials, coaches, volunteers and those who work at tennis venues so they can feel more confident when dealing with people who may have additional needs.
This will be followed by a schools session to showcase the support British tennis can give both Special Schools and mainstream schools to adapt tennis for disabled pupils. This support includes training and free equipment.
From 1pm there will also be free come and try sessions for anyone who wants to give tennis a go for the first time or who wants to brush up their skills. Licensed coaches will be on hand to offer expert tips with all equipment provided and attendees will leave with information on where they can continue playing near them.
Dave Hillier, Disability Development Manager at the Tennis Foundation, said, "The Disability Festival will give us a great opportunity to interact with many of our tennis partners across the Midlands, who are fundamental in giving disabled people a positive, first experience of tennis in venues across Great Britain.
“It will also be a chance for those who just want to have some fun hitting a few balls to do so in an informal setting and find a version of tennis that will work for them, whatever their ability.”
“The ITF is delighted to be working with the Tennis Foundation and the University of Nottingham on this initiative as part of a global campaign to raise awareness of, and promote wheelchair tennis on International Day of Persons with a Disability,” said the ITF’s Wheelchair Tennis Manager, Mark Bullock.
Hannah Webber, Disability Sports Officer, added, “The University of Nottingham is excited to be working with the ITF and Tennis Foundation on this event. We see it as a great way to not only raise awareness of disability sport, but also get students and staff involved in tennis whether it be as a volunteer, coach or player.”
For more information you can view the Disability Tennis Festival Flyer attached and visit www.tennisfoundation.org.uk.
Places can be booked for free by emailing the Tennis Foundation at disabilitytennis@tennisfoundation.org.uk.