HRH The Duchess of Gloucester visits Down's syndrome Tennis Programme

Monday, 01 August 2011

The Duchess of Gloucester, Honorary President of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) visited the National Tennis Centre this week to meet players involved with the Community Down’s Syndrome Tennis project. This is a partnership between The Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA), Fulham Football Club Foundation and the Tennis Foundation.

Her Royal Highness saw first-hand the high quality coaching provided to players during a tennis session. She also had an opportunity to talk to them and their families about the impact that tennis has had on their lives.

Geoff Newton, Executive Director of the Tennis Foundation, said:

“Working with partners Fulham FC and the Down’s Syndrome Association we have been delivering weekly tennis sessions for young people with Down’s syndrome for two years. The response from the players and their families speaks volumes about how disability should not be a barrier to playing sport.  Tennis can be easily adapted to accommodate the needs of disabled people and we are currently working hard to get more people playing, whether they have a physical or sensory impairment or a learning disability."

The tennis sessions are open to anybody with Down’s syndrome between the ages of eight and 25 (and any siblings) run every Tuesday evening. They have been a huge success and earlier this year the Speaker of the House of Commons invited players and their families to a reception in the Palace of Westminster.  At that event they talked to Parliamentarians about how this project has not only improved their tennis skills, it has also helped them build their social skills through developing new friendships as well as the obvious health benefits of exercising on court.

Shirley Newman, parent of Matthew Newman said:

"Matthew started playing tennis as part of this group when it was first developed just over a year ago and it's been amazing for him. It has built his confidence and helped continue his development in all areas including listening and motor skills. The coaching is superb; the coaches are always positive, encouraging, kind and patient. It also provides a great opportunity for the parents to meet up. If you're currently going through any issues we all have shared experiences that can usually help and support you.  It's now something all the children wake up in the morning and look forward to even taking a huge interest in Wimbledon this year because they now understand it and can join in.”

“The Fulham FC Foundation’s aim is to build better lives through sport and through the significant partnership developed with the LTA and DSA, we have been able to deliver the successful Down’s Syndrome Tennis programme.” said Steven Day, Chief Executive Officer of the Fulham FC Foundation.

Patricia James, Corporate Manager of the Down’s Syndrome Association added: “We are delighted to be able to partner with the Tennis Foundation and Fulham FC Foundation to provide further opportunities to people with Down’s syndrome. It is through these types of partnerships that people with Down’s syndrome are able to fully participate in meaningful activities whilst encouraging social interaction.”