Warwickshire Tennis Festival Champions Accessibility and Inclusion

Written by Sarah Heaton, Warwickshire Tennis

Inclusive Tennis Festival

On Wednesday, July 18th, Warwickshire Tennis held its inaugural Inclusive Tennis Festival. The event was hosted at Billesley Indoor Tennis Centre and included participants from five different organizations. A total of 48 individuals participated, demonstrating the inclusivity of tennis. The festival accommodated a broad spectrum of physical and neurodiverse conditions.

The 180-minute session was conducted by an experienced and enthusiastic team. Matthew Hillman, the Warwickshire Open Court Lead, led the session with assistance from several volunteers, including Jonny from Access Sport and Area Business Managers from Halifax.

The event received support from the Dan Maskell Tennis Foundation, which generously provided a grant to both organise the festival and assist in creating follow-up opportunities.

Building on the festival, we are now partnering with venues in Warwickshire to provide exclusive coach training on July 14th, allowing us to broaden inclusive training opportunities in the county.

The Warwickshire Tennis Inclusive Festival highlights the importance of inclusivity in sports, especially tennis. By creating an inviting environment for people of all abilities to unite, the festival not only enhances physical health but also encourages social bonds and community involvement. This event truly captures the essence of tennis as a sport for all, inspiring participants to enjoy the game..