Primary school pupils from across London met Paralympic medallist Andy Lapthorne at the first Disability Tennis Festival.
About 90 pupils aged between 7 and 11, with a variety of intellectual and physical impairments such as autism and deafness, turned up at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in east London for the chance to play tennis at the purpose-built Paralympic venue, which was used in the London 2012 games.
They were coached through four tennis-themed activities across the centre’s indoor courts, with each game adapted to meet their varying needs.
Lapthorne, a silver and bronze medallist, also showed off his Rio medals and shared some of his tennis techniques.
He said: “Being able to connect with such young pupils, all keen to learn about my own experiences in the sport and willing to have a go at playing tennis to the best of their ability has been a great experience.
“It’s great that they have this opportunity to try out this wonderful sport.”
Featured picture: Children met Andy Lapthorne at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre
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