Tennis Ireland has officially launched a new Para-Standing Tennis Programme.

Para-Standing tennis is a format of the sport for people with physical impairments who want to play tennis without the use of a wheelchair.

Previously, the only version of disability tennis was wheelchair tennis, which is featured at the Paralympic Games; however, para-standing, also known as adaptive tennis in some countries, has experienced significant growth in popularity over the last few years.

David Murphy has been a central figure in bringing the format to the fore in Ireland.

“I just wanted others to have the same opportunity I’ve had—to play, to compete, and to belong,” he said.

He was joined on court at the launch of the programme yesterday by fellow Irish player Michael Beglan and visiting UK athletes Georgia Routledge and Ross Cudmore, who led a coaching session and later took part in a demo match that gave spectators a taste of para-standing tennis in action.

“This programme is a meaningful commitment to building a game for everyone, said Kevin Quinn, CEO of Tennis Ireland.

“True inclusion means visible pathways,” added Disability and Inclusion Officer Aoife O’Sullivan.

 

Further Reading for Sport for Business members:

Check out Sport for Business coverage of  Inclusion

 

SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

True inclusion can be defined as finding a way for anyone to participate.  We are familiar with Wheelchair tennis and Blind Tennis from successful programmes, and this feels like a natural addition.

WHAT’S UP NEXT?

Inclusion will be a significant element of the Sport for Business Sport for Social Good Conference taking place in October.

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