BANGOR TENNIS CLUB are set to welcome two former professional tennis players taking part in a charity fun day.
Ex-Davis Cup stars Danny Sapsford and James Auckland will be playing an exhibition match and holding group coaching sessions at the club from 10am-5pm on Sunday, May 22, with sessions bookable for members of the public.
The event will be raising money for ‘Pobl i Bobl’ (People to People), an organisation that works with refugees in North Wales, such as those currently arriving from Ukraine.
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Club Secretary Sue Beesley said: “As well as offering the opportunity to be coached by Danny and James, we’re really looking forward to opening-up the club to everyone and having an action-packed day.
“There will be lots of other sports related family-friendly games and activities like tennis target practice, serving against the speed gun and a quiz.
“We’ve also got a raffle with superb prizes and there’ll be a barbecue and licensed bar.
“We’re hoping that people will come along and join us for a few hours, play and/or watch the tennis, sit in the sun, enjoy themselves and donate to help refugees.”
Danny Sapsford, from Surrey, reached a career-high ranking of 170 in the world, and once reached the third round of Wimbledon in 1999, where he lost to the legendary Pete Sampras (then world number one who would go on to win the title.
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Norwich’s James Auckland competed at all the sport’s major championships, reaching the second round of every one except the US Open, and held a career-high ranking of 282 in the world.
The stars’ charity ‘Bright Ideas for Tennis’ will operate the event, with proceeds to be divided equally between Pobl i Bobl and Bangor Tennis Club, who will put the funds towards a new clubhouse.
The event will enable Pobl i Pobl’s refugee participants to receive free coaching sessions and provide fitness, friendship and fun.
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Christine Morris-Jones from Pobl i Bobl said: “As an organization, Pobl i Bobl are very happy to be working with Bangor Tennis Club who are kindly donating half of the proceeds to support refugee families in the area and giving them the opportunity to access and enjoy a variety of weekly tennis activities.
“Please support this special charity event on the May 22 at Bangor Tennis Club.”
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