12th July 2023
On Wednesday 12th July, children at Hanbury C of E First School joined forces with Droitwich’s “Tennis in the Park” to take part in a sponsored 10,000-Hit Tennis Challenge.
Every child - and staff member - got the chance to hit balls over the net, playing their part in smashing the 10,000 shot target! Money raised from the event will go towards purchasing new sports equipment to boost the school’s PE provision.
Volunteers from Tennis in the Park have ensured access to well-maintained courts in the Lido Park since 2018. They organise low cost, pay as you go sessions for all ages and abilities and can also lend budding Murrays or Raducanus the equipment they need to play.
The group were keen to support the school as Leo Mercer was a regular at their Saturday morning sessions, along with his brother, Finley. Leo remains a much loved member of the Hanbury Family who died suddenly last September in a tragic accident.
Representatives from the group were on hand to offer their top tennis tips and to help count the hits.
“It’s nice that we can join together with others from our local community who also knew how wonderful Leo was,” said Hanbury Headteacher, Aaron McDonagh.
“Leo had such a positive outlook on life and was proof if needed that sport can be such a force for good,” he added. “Combining both of these strengths, played a big part in reaching our target of 10,000 hits!”
The event is part of an exciting few days for Tennis in the Park. Representatives went to Wimbledon last week after they came second in the Lawn Tennis Association’s National Communities and Parks Award.
The group won the County and West Midlands award before being shortlisted for the National title.
Meanwhile, Hanbury C of E First School have recently been awarded their fourth consecutive Gold School Games Mark.
The award recognises the opportunities that are offered to learn and compete alongside other schools in the community, and ensures a diverse and engaging range of sports are offered to all classes in addition to a host of extra curricular clubs to join.
