Latest news with #TennisAwards
South Wales Argus
30-04-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Alfie Hewett takes top prize at the 2025 LTA Awards
Barker was speaking at the prestigious tenth anniversary of the LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus where Hewett was awarded the Wheelchair Player of the Year Award. Hewett won the Wimbledon singles title for the first time in his career, making him only the second men's wheelchair tennis player in history to complete the singles career Grand Slam. 'He's won everything! I mean doubles, him and Gordon [Reid] have won everything two or three times but to win at Wimbledon is what every British player dreams of,' exclaimed Barker. 'Just seeing his celebration there and how much it meant to him and his team and the people that have supported him to achieve that. I'm sure that was the ultimate goal for him. That'll be the one he'll look back on and say, 'That's the one I wanted to win.' 'When you grow up, your dream is always to win Wimbledon. I'm not being biased because I'm British, most foreign players dream of winning Wimbledon, so for Alfie that was a moment he can look back on and treasure. 'I'm sure he can watch it on playback time and time again that match point. I hope he does.' The Wimbledon title, however, did not even scratch the surface of Hewett's full list of 2024 accolades. The Grand Slam glory continued as, alongside Gordon Reid, lifted all three major doubles titles at the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon. The Norfolk player also claimed his first Paralympic gold alongside Reid in the doubles and claimed silver at Paris 2024 in the singles. The awards were hosted by the LTA's head of men's tennis Leon Smith who said: "It was such a great day at the National Tennis Centre, and amazing to see all the finalists come together. The annual LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus, highlight and celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of people in tennis across Britain. First launched in 2015 with the help of former LTA president Cathie Sabin OBE, they recognise the vital work of volunteers, coaches, officials, and players dedicating their precious time and energy to the continual development and growth of the sport. Over the past ten years, the awards have illustrated the depth of service and talent within the tennis community and serve as an inspiration to others to get involved in the game. "Hearing their stories during the awards and learning about the impact they've had on tennis and padel was honestly so inspiring. "It was wonderful to be able to recognise everything they've done — all of which helps bring the LTA's vision of 'tennis opened up' to life. I can't wait to see what they do next." To find out more information about the LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus or for information on how to play, coach, volunteer or officiate in tennis, head to: The Official Home of Tennis For Britain | LTA
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Polam Hall nets 'School of the Year' award for inspiring love of tennis
A COUNTY Durham school has been honoured for being ace at inspiring pupils to play tennis. Polam Hall School, in Darlington, has been named 'School of the Year' at the Durham and Cleveland Tennis Awards. The award, backed by the Lawn Tennis Association, recognises the school's outstanding commitment and inclusive approach to the sport. Principal Kate Reid said: 'We are thrilled to receive this award. It is testament to the hard work that has gone into building the school's strong reputation for excelling at tennis and a wide range of other sports.' Mrs Reid praised the leadership of the school's Head of Sport and Technology, Craig Wilkinson, and his team in the PE department. 'They have created a real buzz around tennis in the school, enabling pupils who might otherwise have missed out on the sport to give it a go and find they enjoy it.' Mr Wilkinson added: 'Our approach to sport in the school is focused on driving up participation levels and getting as many pupils as possible involved, so we're delighted to be recognised with this prestigious award.' Polam Hall's commitment to tennis traditionally comes to an exciting climax in the last week of the summer term with a 'mini Wimbledon' event featuring tournaments for all year groups and staff, topped off with strawberries and cream being served from the canteen. The school, which is part of the Woodard Academies Trust, has also formed a positive partnership with New Blackwell Lawn Tennis Club, with the Darlington club allowing access to its courts for the school tournaments. One of the school's governors, Kate Heljula, provides additional volunteer coaching support, and games captains, Daciana Ceapa-Ionescu and Arthur Chinchen help with extra-curricular sporting activities. The school has teams from all age groups competing in local leagues and the two girls' teams in the senior school both made it to the Northern Regional Finals. Polam Hall was the only state funded school to reach the finals, competing against the best schools from Scotland, Cumbria and Yorkshire. In addition, an annual trip has been arranged for the past two years to take pupils to the Wimbledon championships, and there is an annual tennis outing to King's Priory School, in Tynemouth, which is also part of the Woodard Academies Trust. A tournament in the morning is followed by an afternoon on the beach. As well as winning the School of the Year title, Polam Hall pupil, Briony Heljula, was also congratulated on winning individual honours at the Durham and Cleveland Tennis Awards ceremony.
