We are thrilled that Rachel Morgan has joined our BRIT Ambassador family.
Rachel competes in the B1 (blind) category for players with the greatest degree of sight loss and has won several regional titles, two national titles, two World Championships and became the world number one in the B1 (blind) category.
“As a student myself, I know that many young adults are struggling with mental health difficulties, increased feelings of isolation and loneliness. COVID-19 restrictions are adding additional challenges and pressures to everyone’s lives; particularly those who are already vulnerable.
BRIT exists to support young adult mental health throughout the UK and raise vital funds for charities who support young adults and students. I am delighted to be part of the BRIT Ambassador family and look forward to encouraging universities and colleges to embrace BRIT’s annual challenge and enter teams. I also hope to support BRIT by raising awareness of The BRIT Challenge so that students and young adults are aware of the opportunity and join their university or college team.
The BRIT 2021 Challenge is an inclusive event with many ways to take part so that students and staff of all abilities can participate. It’s a great way to improve mental health and fitness on campus or at home.
I urge Olympians, Paralympians and sports personalities to join the BRIT Ambassador family, choose a university or college, and champion The BRIT Challenge to encourage and inspire students to participate throughout the UK.
I look forward to supporting and encouraging students at London Metropolitan University and the University of East London during their BRIT 2021 Challenge.”
Rachel Morgan
Double World and National B1 Tennis Champion
Visually impaired tennis is an adaptation from the full court version of tennis and uses a smaller court marked out with lower nets and tactile lines, and an audible ball so players can hear it bounce.
Depending on a player’s degree of sight loss they may have between one and three bounces of the ball before returning it back to their opponent. Competitions take place across four sight categories, B1 to B4/B5 – with B1 players having the greatest degree of sight loss.
Anyone interested in giving visually impaired tennis a try can contact the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). It is one of the fastest growing disability sports with participation thriving around the country. You can learn more about visually impaired tennis or find a session near you on the LTA website or by emailing disabilitytennis@lta.org.uk
QUICK FACTS: Visually Impaired Tennis
· One of the fastest growing disability sports
· Ambitions for it to become a future Paralympic sport
· Adapted from the full court version of tennis to a smaller court, marked out with lower nets and tactile lines
· Uses an audible ball so players can hear it bounce
· Players compete in different categories, with B1 having the greatest degree of sight loss
· Depending on a player’s category they are allowed between one and three bounces of the ball
· Competitions are fun and friendly and take place regionally and nationally throughout the year
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