Bexley Tennis event is a Smash Hit!
Wimbledon may be over but over 50 players with a learning disability, as well as carers and support staff took part in the annual Bexley Tennis LTA Matchplay event on Tuesday 14th July.
Hosted by Bexleyheath Tennis Club, the activity was organised by Bexley Mencap, whose learning disability tennis team play at the club every Monday during the summer and autumn and are previous winners of Kent LTA’s best tennis disability programme.
Players of all abilities and mobilities got the chance to play tennis in different formats – whether it was just hitting the ball into hula hoops on the court, practising different skills, individual shots and serves, or full-scale rallies across the net – some of which were very competitive in nature.
Nick Marsden, Bexley Mencap’s Health & Well-being Lead said:
‘It was great to see so many players from day centres across the borough and beyond enjoying themselves, meeting friends and making new ones. New players were quick to pick up the basic skills and learn new ones while helping and encouraging each other.’
Claire O’brien, President of Bexleyheath Tennis Club said:
‘The enthusiasm and energy of all the players across all 4 courts was amazing,’ while Sharon Rodrigues, of NHS Oxleas Adult Learning Disability team, made the point that playing sports such as tennis which can be easily adapted to meet different needs is a good way to boost activity levels and social engagement. '
Zoe Sinclaire, a manager with Re-instate charity, who brought 14 players said;
‘It was such a well organised and fun event for everyone. I can see tennis is very popular with our members and I’m now thinking of booking sessions at the club.’
Let’s leave the final word to one of the players.'
‘I always enjoy playing tennis,’ said Mark of Bexley Mencap. ‘Today I met some friends I hadn't seen in ages and had never played tennis with them before – so that was fantastic!’
Hosted by Bexleyheath Tennis Club, the activity was organised by Bexley Mencap, whose learning disability tennis team play at the club every Monday during the summer and autumn and are previous winners of Kent LTA’s best tennis disability programme.
Players of all abilities and mobilities got the chance to play tennis in different formats – whether it was just hitting the ball into hula hoops on the court, practising different skills, individual shots and serves, or full-scale rallies across the net – some of which were very competitive in nature.
Nick Marsden, Bexley Mencap’s Health & Well-being Lead said:
‘It was great to see so many players from day centres across the borough and beyond enjoying themselves, meeting friends and making new ones. New players were quick to pick up the basic skills and learn new ones while helping and encouraging each other.’
Claire O’brien, President of Bexleyheath Tennis Club said:
‘The enthusiasm and energy of all the players across all 4 courts was amazing,’ while Sharon Rodrigues, of NHS Oxleas Adult Learning Disability team, made the point that playing sports such as tennis which can be easily adapted to meet different needs is a good way to boost activity levels and social engagement. '
Zoe Sinclaire, a manager with Re-instate charity, who brought 14 players said;
‘It was such a well organised and fun event for everyone. I can see tennis is very popular with our members and I’m now thinking of booking sessions at the club.’
Let’s leave the final word to one of the players.'
‘I always enjoy playing tennis,’ said Mark of Bexley Mencap. ‘Today I met some friends I hadn't seen in ages and had never played tennis with them before – so that was fantastic!’
