There are moments in life when you know you are witnessing and experiencing something inspirational. A few weekends ago I went to an international tennis tournament for wheelchair athletes held at Kitsilano Beach. My eldest daughter has been volunteering every Sunday for a year now as an assistant coach. I have driven out to Steveston to watch their practices, and then had the amazing opportunity to go to this international event for players from all around the world. This event is held every year in July and is open to the public. I had emailed some of you with children because they were looking for ball boys/girls under the age of eighteen. I thought it would be an  incredibly inspiring experience.  I would highly recommend it next year.

By Roger

Over the last 60 years I have been privileged to watch some amazing tennis. Recently men and women athletes come from all over the world, and compete in a series of events put on by the International Tennis Federation to produce world rankings for men and women.

The only change to regular tennis rules is that they can play the ball after 2 bounces. However, at this level they play many shots after one bounce and from wheelchairs that they have to move to reach the ball! Amazing when you consider how difficult it is for regular players to move into position to play their shots.

Their mobility in the chairs is incredible - and then they have to make their shots. This they do without the advantage of using their legs - a huge source of power in regular tennis. The power hitting and serving they produced seated in that chair was amazing!  As for motivation, well, an inspiration for us all.

Read More