Tennis marathon serves up over £1000 for charity
3 May 2013
Cardiff University Tennis Club has raised more than £1000 for Cardiff Stars Learning Disabilities Tennis Club following a 60 hour tennis marathon.
From 6am on April 19 to 6pm on April 21, club members took it in turns to play tennis, with some players out on court for more than 15 hours in one stretch.
The tennis marathon was organised by Cardiff University Tennis Club president, Tom Wilkinson along with Alistair Masterton and Scott Thompson. Around 40 club members took part in the fundraising effort.
Tom said: "Firstly a big thank you to Cardiff Lawn tennis club who kindly provided the court time and access to their facilities throughout the weekend, and secondly a massive thank you to our tennis club members for playing through the nights to help us raise as much money as possible for such a worthwhile cause."
Cardiff Stars was formed ten years ago and is the only stand-alone tennis club in the UK for people with learning disabilities. It is entirely funded from donations, sponsorship and fund raising efforts. The club provides opportunity for children and adults with learning disabilities to play tennis, to give them a feeling of achievement, self esteem and also to feel part of the community.
Kim Davies, volunteer at Cardiff Stars said: "The money raised will help reach more people in the community with learning disabilities who would like to enjoy playing tennis.
"A big thank you to Cardiff University members who gave up their precious time and played tennis day and night to raise these vital funds."
Stuart Vanstone, Cardiff University Head of Sport said: "Many of our sports clubs are very proactive in working with community group and charities. Over the years the student clubs have raised thousands of pounds for local and national causes. The marathon 60 hours of tennis that the University club have completed to help the Cardiff Stars learning disabilities Tennis Club is a fantastic achievement and whilst the students will have been exhausted afterwards I am sure the money raised will be put to good use."