Local families are being invited along to an ‘ace’ event at Bitts Park tennis courts on Thursday, 5 August 2010, between 11am and 4pm.

Carlisle City Council, with support from the Tennis Foundation and Carlisle Leisure Limited, has lined up a packed programme of tennis activities for all the family to enjoy.

The free event is open to all abilities and ages. Tennis activities will include:

• Adult tennis taster session – 1pm-2pm
• Cardio tennis taster session (tennis to music) – 2.30pm-3.15pm
• Junior tennis taster session – 12noon -1pm
• Mini-tennis taster sessions – 11.15am-12noon and 2.30pm-3.15pm

The event will also include a Panthers basketball taster session between 2pm - 2.30pm and Tag Rugby between 1pm and 2pm.

Activities will also include fun competitions and quizzes. Everybody that attends the event will also be entered into a competition draw to win tennis related prizes.

Cllr Ray Bloxham, Portfolio holder for Local Environment, said:

“The Carlisle Family Tennis Day is an opportunity to test out your tennis skills and maybe get some hints on how to improve your game. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve played before or are a complete beginner, we want local residents to come down and have a go. There will be something for all the family to enjoy.”

To book a place on one of the tennis or basketball training sessions, please telephone 01228 625545 or email sportrec@carlisle.gov.uk

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Notes to Editors:

• Carlisle’s Bitts Park Tennis Courts is the first North West to be awarded a top award by the Tennis Foundation. The Carlisle City Council facilities have achieved Beacon Site Status in recognition of the improved facilities and also the City Council’s extensive tennis coaching programme.
• The new tennis facility at Bitts Park was opened in January 2008 after £280,000 was spent upgrading the courts. The Carlisle City Council project was made possible after £125,000 was received from the LTA and other partnership arrangements.