Menu
05/09/2008
Wheelchair Tennis Is 'Ace'
As the gaze of the sporting world once again turns east, to the post-Olympics event, the long-established Paralympics which are also being held in Beijing, where some of the top wheelchair tennis players in the British Isles are heading south instead – to south Belfast, that is.
The annual Ulster Open Wheelchair Tennis Tournament is a real 'Ace' and takes place at the Belfast Indoor Tennis Arena, on the Ormeau Embankment, from 19 – 21 September.
One of the most popular competitions on the wheelchair tennis circuit, it attracts top players from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Belfast's Lord Mayor, Tom Hartley, (pictured with players Ivor Jess, left, and Stafford Lynn) said that the Council was delighted to be working with the organisers to stage the tournament for the 11th year.
He said: "Events such as these are important to the Council, and we are extremely pro-active in supporting them. Through our 'Support for Sport' programme we invest £300,000 a year in sport, from grassroots development projects through to major international events.
"The council’s support often helps to unlock other sources of funding which otherwise may not have been available to event organizers," said the Lord Mayor.
One of the most popular competitions on the wheelchair tennis circuit, it attracts top players from all over the British Isles.
Current British No 1, David Phillipson, will be returning to defend the title he won in 2007. He will be joined by top English doubles pairing, Sean Regan and Tony Knappett, and top Scottish player, 'Pistol' Pete Moore – the only player to have competed in all 11 tournaments.
Local hopefuls in the top division are Newtownabbey man Stafford Lynn and Glenavy's Ivor Jess, who both find themselves in a very competitive side of the draw.
"From the impressive line up of competitors attending our home tournament this year, we're expecting a very high standard of wheelchair tennis, with some hard fought three set thrillers," commented Jess.
Meanwhile, the special guest at this year’s tournament will be the President of the International Wheelchair Tennis Association, Martin McElhatton, who will be travelling to Belfast direct from the Paralympics in Beijing.
See: Blind Golfers Swing Into NI As Harrington Celebrates His Win
(BMcC/KMcA)
The annual Ulster Open Wheelchair Tennis Tournament is a real 'Ace' and takes place at the Belfast Indoor Tennis Arena, on the Ormeau Embankment, from 19 – 21 September.
One of the most popular competitions on the wheelchair tennis circuit, it attracts top players from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Belfast's Lord Mayor, Tom Hartley, (pictured with players Ivor Jess, left, and Stafford Lynn) said that the Council was delighted to be working with the organisers to stage the tournament for the 11th year.
He said: "Events such as these are important to the Council, and we are extremely pro-active in supporting them. Through our 'Support for Sport' programme we invest £300,000 a year in sport, from grassroots development projects through to major international events.
"The council’s support often helps to unlock other sources of funding which otherwise may not have been available to event organizers," said the Lord Mayor.
One of the most popular competitions on the wheelchair tennis circuit, it attracts top players from all over the British Isles.
Current British No 1, David Phillipson, will be returning to defend the title he won in 2007. He will be joined by top English doubles pairing, Sean Regan and Tony Knappett, and top Scottish player, 'Pistol' Pete Moore – the only player to have competed in all 11 tournaments.
Local hopefuls in the top division are Newtownabbey man Stafford Lynn and Glenavy's Ivor Jess, who both find themselves in a very competitive side of the draw.
"From the impressive line up of competitors attending our home tournament this year, we're expecting a very high standard of wheelchair tennis, with some hard fought three set thrillers," commented Jess.
Meanwhile, the special guest at this year’s tournament will be the President of the International Wheelchair Tennis Association, Martin McElhatton, who will be travelling to Belfast direct from the Paralympics in Beijing.
See: Blind Golfers Swing Into NI As Harrington Celebrates His Win
(BMcC/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 March 2024
Unveiling The 2024 Indian Wall Tennis Tournaments
Welcome to the exciting world of Indian Wall Tennis! As we gear up for the 2024 tournaments, there's much to look forward to. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or new to the game, this guide is your go-to resource for everything you need to know about the upcoming Indian Wall Tennis season.
Unveiling The 2024 Indian Wall Tennis Tournaments
Welcome to the exciting world of Indian Wall Tennis! As we gear up for the 2024 tournaments, there's much to look forward to. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or new to the game, this guide is your go-to resource for everything you need to know about the upcoming Indian Wall Tennis season.
25 November 2024
DfI Outlines Congestion Mitigation Measures In Belfast City Centre
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced a series of measures aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Belfast City Centre. A strategic oversight group, comprising the DfI, Belfast City Council, PSNI, and Translink, has been formed to identify and implement effective solutions to reduce peak-time delays.
DfI Outlines Congestion Mitigation Measures In Belfast City Centre
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced a series of measures aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Belfast City Centre. A strategic oversight group, comprising the DfI, Belfast City Council, PSNI, and Translink, has been formed to identify and implement effective solutions to reduce peak-time delays.
25 November 2024
Visit Belfast Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tourism Landscape
Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
Visit Belfast Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tourism Landscape
Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
22 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Arson In Newtownabbey PSNI detectives have issues an appeal for information following a report of arson endangering life at residential premises at the Dermont Way area of Newtownabbey.
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Arson In Newtownabbey PSNI detectives have issues an appeal for information following a report of arson endangering life at residential premises at the Dermont Way area of Newtownabbey.
21 November 2024
Attempted Carjacking In West Belfast
Police are investigating an attempted carjacking in west Belfast on Tuesday, November 19th. At around 5:30pm, a man entered a parked car at Hillhead Court and attempted to steal it. A woman passenger was assaulted when she resisted the man's demands. The suspect, described as a man in his 20s wearing all black, fled the scene on foot.
Attempted Carjacking In West Belfast
Police are investigating an attempted carjacking in west Belfast on Tuesday, November 19th. At around 5:30pm, a man entered a parked car at Hillhead Court and attempted to steal it. A woman passenger was assaulted when she resisted the man's demands. The suspect, described as a man in his 20s wearing all black, fled the scene on foot.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
