Members of Lichfield Friary Tennis Club had not only fast serves and delicate drops shots on Tuesday 22^nd June. 

Members who turned up for a hit were joined by Double Olympian Nick Gillingham MBE.   Nick was touring sports clubs throughout the region launching the new National Lottery quiz Games Brain Of Britain.  Launched to celebrate the milestone of raising £500m for the 2012 Olympic Games, the new free online quiz to find out the who has the most knowledge of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the UK. 

 With just over two years to go, £500 million has been raised by lottery players for London 2012 through sales of its specially designated games, including Dream Number, certain Scratchcards and all interactive instant win games. In total, The National Lottery aims to raise £750 million for London 2012 through sales of such games, where all the Good Causes money raised goes towards the forthcoming Olympic Games and Paralympic Games – part of a wider lottery contribution of £2.2 billion.

 To celebrate the landmark, The National Lottery has launched a nationwide search for the UK’s expert in all things Olympic and Paralympic.  The Games Brain of Britain is the ultimate test of Olympic and Paralympic Games knowledge.  It will challenge Olympic and Paralympic buffs and sports fans alike to determine who deserves the title of the UK’s expert on the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.  As the countdown to London 2012 gathers pace, there’s a chance to take the challenge online or by visiting the Games Brain of Britain roadshow.

 The quiz is available to play online at national-lottery.co.uk/gamesbrain and made up of three rounds of five questions, answered against the clock, which get progressively harder as players move through the test.  Competitors who complete the quiz in the fastest time will be chosen to take part in a national final where they will pit their wits against each other for the chance to be crowned the Games Brain of Britain – and win a holiday of a lifetime to the Olympic Games host city of their choice.

Local Tennis Club help Smash World Record Bid

Lichfield Friary Lawn Tennis Club played a part in smashing the world record for tennis “Keepie Ups” organised and promoted by the RPTeurope, Europe’s leading coach education company.

The new record which has been confirmed as 582 is now awaiting verification from the Guinness Book of World Records™ and it is expected to be confirmed as a new official world record.

75 took part in the event held at Lichfield Friary, a number of which have never played tennis before. Club Chairman Achim Krueser said “It was fantastic being involved in the world record attempt and we are very proud and delighted to have been able to contribute to the new world record.  It was amazing to see so many people at the club both young and old and so many people trying the sport out for the very first time.  I hope they will become lifelong tennis lovers.”

Adrian Rattenbury, President of the RPTeurope said “It has been a great way for us to help clubs and coaches promote the game of tennis in their local area. We are obviously thrilled to have set a new world record and equally as thrilled to hear how many people have been involved in the event who have previously never played tennis and never visited a tennis club. Hopefully they will continue to be involved in the game and help us to “Grow the Game” and increase the number of people involved in the game at this level”.

If anyone is interested in finding out more about how to join Lichfield Friary or for details on coaching programmes for players of all ages and abilities contact Graham Hathaway, Membership Secretary on 01543 251104

MIXED WINTER LEAGUE FINAL  PLACINGS FOR 2009 – 2010