Walking tennis is part of Ely Tennis Club’s goal to make sure everyone in our community whatever their age (tots to elders) or ability (good, bad or somewhere in between) is given the opportunity to play the game in a welcoming, fully inclusive environment.
We have discovered that walking tennis is infinitely adaptable – over the past few months ..We’ve adapted to a double amputee player learning the game with blades and limited hand function.
We have players with disabilities, a few recovering from injury and someone who said wonderingly after her first session “I thought I would never be able to play tennis again but this has given it back to me….”. It has provided a lift to some who needed a mental health boost – just needed time out for an hour or so…
So tennis and tea; cake and chat; fun and fitness An hour and a half away from everyday life………
But as we said before, this is suitable for everyone and we have also had some – let’s call them “competitive” games! – amongst those with more practical tennis experience! We even have team members turn up to have a game every now and then!
Tennis aside – there is also cake!! Peacocks tearoom has provided a wonderful selection of truly delicious cakes for our half hour social session of tea, chat (and cake) after tennis, where some interesting line calls are debated (told you the games had been competitive!) alongside what’s happening in our various worlds.
We have been incredibly fortunate that Daniel Lawrence and Healthy You have sponsored us, so we can move indoors to the Hive Leisure Centre at least until March. GLL – the Hive owners – have also been super helpful!
Sophie Etheridge – Adaptive Athlete “I have always swum but not always been disabled…” Sophie, a determined and passionate individual, has faced numerous challenges since her cycling accident in 2011.
Once this framework has been published, we encourage partners to consider how they can implement the framework to make a real change for disabled people to access physical activity, sport, and leisure in the way they want, when they want, with no barriers placed on them by society.
In partnership with the South Care Partnership, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICS and Cambridge United Community Trust, Living Sport are coordinating a walking football project in South Cambridgeshire running from March 2023.
Our aim is to improve health, happiness and wellbeing by supporting people to be active, in a meaningful way through programmes, events and influencing policy. Your donations are hugely appreciated and help make this possible.
