Smashing opening event planned

(Date of issue: Friday, 20 March 2009)

An appearance by an ace Cumbrian champion will form part of a special celebration event served up to mark the official opening of Carlisle’s airdome tennis courts, next Tuesday (24 March), at 1.15pm.

To coincide with the official opening of the Bitts Park based venue by President of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), Derek Howorth, a masterclass match will be staged between Daneika Borthwick, Cumbria’s rising tennis star and the LTA’s Development Officer for the North of England, Jo Cunliffe.

The event also coincides with a Carlisle secondary schools tennis competition that will be running before and after the official opening ceremony. Organised by the Youth Sports Trust, guests at the event will be able to have first sight of more than 40 of the area’s budding tennis players.

The Carlisle airdome allows for indoor tennis to be staged over the winter months and covers two of Bitts Park’s four floodlit hardcourts. It opened for use in early 2008.

The £280,000 Carlisle City Council project was made possible after £125,000 funding from the Lawn Tennis Association and other partner funding agreements was secured. The installation was project managed by Carlisle City Council.

Leader of Carlisle City Council, Cllr Mike Mitchelson, said:

“The floodlit courts and airdome enhance the tennis provision and provide an opportunity for coaching and development of young people. The sporting facility was made possible with support from the LTA and this event provides the opportunity to celebrate the success of the scheme, as well as provide proper recognition to all the partners who made its installation possible.”

The courts are managed by Carlisle Leisure Limited on Carlisle City Council’s behalf and can be booked by telephoning 01228 625543.