Tracy Compton is attempting to play tennis continuously for 24 hours to raise funds for Visually Impaired tennis programmes. “I Play 30” are tennis programmes specifically designed for people with learning, physical and sensory disabilities. The activities teach participants essential life skills and supports both their physical and mental well-being.
Visually Impaired tennis (also known as VI tennis, Sound tennis or Blind tennis) is one of the leading sports for blind and partially sighted people in the UK. This format is played on a smaller court with a lower net and an audible tennis ball that makes noise so that players can hear it bounce and being hit.
Never before has a blind tennis player played for 24 hours so Tracy is going for a world first! Tracy will take on the challenge alongside former British No.1 Katie O’Brien and Scotland’s Jonny O’Mara.
This unique event offers 12 fundraising teams the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play at the prestigious National Tennis Centre in Roehampton whilst interacting with the biggest names in British tennis and learning about the value of inclusion. Fundraising teams entered include Eton College, St Paul’s School and leading private equity investment firm, Thoma Bravo.
Former Wimbledon semi-finalist Tim Henman and host of Channel 4’s “The Last Leg”, comedian Adam Hills will be joining in too. The event will feature more than 20 GB Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup players, Special Olympian Lily Mills, Paralympic silver and bronze medalist Oliver Lam-Watson, deaf tennis star Esah Hayat and wheelchair players Thomas Dodds and Daniel Wilson. Adults and children with Down’s Syndrome and learning difficulties from the charity’s “I Play 30” programme will also be involved, promising an incredible showcase of how inclusive tennis can be.
Additionally the programme up-skills volunteers and coaches with free disability training and offers venues adapted equipment to ensure safe and engaging environments.
“We are incredibly excited for this year’s fundraiser, it is a powerful testament to the transformative power of tennis and our belief that everyone should have the chance to play. It will not only raise crucial funds but also awareness of the importance of inclusive sport for all and it is fantastic to see so many players give back to the sport.” Danny Sapsford, Bright Ideas for Tennis Founder.
