Awards are held online with a video from Boulter
TENNIS Leicestershire’s annual awards ceremony was held virtually instead of being attended by about 350 people at Tigers’ Welford Road stadium.
Around 100 local tennis players, coaches and volunteer administrators joined online.
Hosted by county chairman Mike Piper, the event featured link-ups with LTA President David Rawlinson and Tennis Leicestershire President Mark Cox, the former world no. 13 in his playing days.
British star Katie Boulter, below, of Woodhouse Eaves, sent a video message from Australia where she has been competing in the year’s first Grand Slam, the Australian Open, and other tournaments.
Both Piper and Rawlinson reflected on the fact that Leicestershire continues to punch way above its weight in virtually every aspect of the sport.
Its participation rate, number of inter club leagues, entrants into the county championships and number of GB-ranked players from juniors to over-70s are some of the highest anywhere in the country.
Covid restrictions permitting, Leicestershire ladies will return to take their place in Division 1 of inter-county week at Eastbourne in July.
THE LTA AWARD WINNERS:
■■Lifetime Achievement: Paul Hammond (Carisbrooke)
■■Volunteer: Carol Anne Sugden (Newtown Linford)
■■Young Person: Jo Harris (Ashby)
■■Development Coach: Alex Guzder (Ashby)
■■Performance Coach: Alex Guzder (Ashby)
■■Club: Rothley Ivanhoe
■■Official: Michael Page (Victoria)
■■Disability: Michael Page (Victoria)
■■Competition: Rothley Ivanhoe.