16 September 2008

© AELTC

Click here for more photos of the Wimbledon Readathon

Celebrity tennis fan Tony Hawks helped 600 Merton school children and their teachers make a real racket on Wimbledon's No.1 Court when they took part in a giant 'Reading Racket' readathon on Tuesday 16 September 2008.  Jamie Murray, the 2007 Mixed Doubles Champion and British squad player, also took time out of his practice schedule to pop into the event to tell the young people about his reading habits and stress the importance of reading and its benefits. 

Thirteen different schools throughout Merton attended the 'Reading Racket' event, run by the All England Lawn Tennis Club-based Wimbledon Study Support Centre (in partnership with Merton Council and the Department for Children, Schools and Families) ahead of Britain's forthcoming Davis Cup tie against Austria at Wimbledon (19-21 September).

Reading Racket

The 'Reading Racket' was a fun event that stressed that people can read anything, anytime anywhere.  A grand total of 10,932 pages were read by the 603 participants, who collectively clocked up the equivalent of just over 150 reading hours.  It also used the reading experiences of tennis stars, to motivate young people to learn to read and develop an interest in books and reading materials. 

On the day the children also practised and performed a group recital of a story about a Wimbledon player, Mrs Blanche Hillyard, who ate such a 'Fearful Tea' during a rain delay in her 1907 Championships' semi-final that she subsequently lost the match.  An added bonus was the chance to watch US Open finalist and British No. 1, Andy Murray practice against his team mate, Alex Bogdanovic.

Organiser Katy Hamlin, Wimbledon Study Support Centre Manager, said:  "The ability to read is a critical life skill, not just for books but all sorts of practical everyday applications.  Without it a whole world is closed off, so support from inspirational role models such as tennis stars Andy and Jamie Murray really helps.  Andy has already told us that his favourite book is the Muhammad Ali biography, 'King of the World', whilst brother Jamie has fond memories of 'Willy the Wimp'.  I'm sure this was a really memorable occasion for the children."

Councillor Debbie Shears, Cabinet Member for Children's Services at Merton Council, said:  "An event of this scale that involves so many schools, children and sporting heroes demonstrates to children the significance that we place on the ability to read in today's world.  It's a fantastic opportunity to get children fired up for the school year ahead and it's also great to see so many of Merton's schools taking up this opportunity to get involved."

Ian Ritchie, Chief Executive of the All England Club, added:  "Our Study Support Centre does a fantastic job to help children improve their basic skills.  I'm sure this event was fun for them and will have left a lasting positive impression."

Nicole Humphry-Jones, 10, of Benedict Primary School
"I learned a bit about tennis and Wimbledon,  Jamie Murray gave me a high-five and I got to see Andy Murray practising.  I like reading, my favourite books are non-fiction, like Andy Murray, because they're interesting and they teach me a lot.  I read about 14 books a month. Wimbledon is a great place to read, there are lots of places to sit down, the people working here are nice and I enjoyed all our activities today."

Chris Rajrajan, 10, Benedict Primary School
"Today I learned that reading can be fun and tennis isn't as easy as it looks!  I read an average of three books per month because I like to read 200-pagers.  This is the first time I've ever seen live tennis and I like Andy Murray's passion and the way he plays. I hope Britain wins Davis Cup this weekend and I'll be watching on television."