Olympic Legend and Sports Minister impressed by Haringey’s Tennis Programme

Olympic Legend and Sports Minister impressed by Haringey’s Tennis Programme

Gabor Papp | 16/03/2010

Budding tennis players at some of Haringey¹s Primary Schools were thrilled when two very special guests dropped in to watch their tennis festival at White Hart lane Community Sports Centre. Five times Olympic Gold Medallist, Sir Steve Redgrave, on his first day as Olympics Ambassador was accompanied by the Sports Minister, Gerry Sutcliffe, to see how the tennis programme, funded by the ŒSport Unlimited¹ initiative, works in Haringey.

 

The coaches, parents, teachers and children listened with great interest to Sir Steve as he explained about the training and extensive preparation needed to become a champion. Sir Steve then signed autographs and joined the children and coaches for photographs.

 

Following this, 4 tennis coaches, 1 teacher, 4 parents and 28 children, aged 5 to 14, from the performance programmes at White Hart Lane Tennis Club set off to watch the Barclays ATP World Finals. where Barclays invited them to meet Andy Roddick. On the way home Jake (aged 5) asks Haringey Tennis Head Coach Siwan Stephens ŒWould Andy Roddick even beat you?¹. Siwan of course replies: ŒNot a chance¹.

 

The White Hart Lane Tennis Club and Development Programme is a huge success producing the players and officials and coaches of the future. For more information contact Head Coach and Development Officer Siwan Stephens tennis@haringey.gov.uk