Atlantis tennis celebration brings pickleball to Oban
A CELEBRATION of tennis is taking place at Atlantis Leisure’s new courts this week to thank fundraisers and mark the centre’s 25th birthday.
The new tennis courts and upgraded playing facilities at Atlantis Leisure were up and running for last year’s playing season, thanks to the fundraising efforts of Oban Tennis and Squash Club, Atlantis Leisure, and the West Highland Tennis Tournament.
The sum of £160,000 was needed to complete the project and support was received from a wide range of sources – local and national funders, businesses and personal donations.
The new courts have been welcomed by squash and tennis club members, junior squad players, Atlantis Playsport, West Highland tournament players, the local community and visitors.
At the time there wasn’t an official opening, but it was always the intention to recognise the contribution of everyone who supported the fundraising efforts and also those who have supported Oban tennis over many years. The timing fits in very well with the opening of the 2018 season and Atlantis Leisure’s 25th anniversary.
There’s a junior fun day for primary school pupils from the Oban area today (Thursday April 19), then a junior tournament for S1 and S2 secondary pupils from Oban High School on Friday.
Events on Saturday run between 11am and 1pm, with junior squad coaching, ‘come and try tennis’ for juniors and an introduction to a new sport to Oban called pickleball.
Pickleball is growing in popularity in Scotland and is similar in many ways to short tennis but is played on a badminton court with a hard bat and ball. It is described as great fun and great exercise, and all adults are welcome.
From 2pm onwards, there will be tennis with past and present players, and come and try sessions for adults. The overall programme aims to encourage both juniors and adults to play tennis or to come and have a go. All sessions are free and take place at Atlantis.