Sunlight breaking through the trees in the New Forest
The Davis Cup by BNP Paribas will officially arrive in Winchester this month as part of a national Trophy Tour of Great Britain.
Following Great Britain’s historic win against Belgium in the 2015 Davis Cup Final, when Team GB hoisted the trophy for the first time in 79 years, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) wanted to celebrate this momentous occasion by taking the trophy across the country to thank the tennis community, including players, coaches, venues and volunteers, who supported the team on its incredible journey.
It also wanted to inspire a new generation to pick up a racket and get involved in tennis, and so, in April, the LTA launched the Davis Cup Trophy Tour.
The Davis Cup will arrive in Winchester on Bank Holiday Monday, 29 August. The tour event is free for all to attend and it will give people a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see, and be pictured with, the impressive Davis Cup Trophy.
Winchester City Council, in partnership with Hampshire and IOW LTA, will also be offering a chance for families to try tennis on 7 pop up tennis courts.
Leon Smith, Davis Cup Captain, said: “Winning the Davis Cup was an incredible moment for me and all the team. Lifting the trophy on the court in Ghent was an amazing feeling and I’m eager to ensure a lasting legacy following this historic achievement. Taking the trophy across the country and being able to share this momentous achievement with the nation is an important part of this legacy.
“I can’t wait to see everyone’s reaction when they see the Davis Cup and sharing a bit of that passion we had on court will hopefully encourage others to get involved and choose tennis as part of their everyday lives”.
Michael Downey, LTA Chief Executive, added: “The Davis Cup win is one many will remember for the rest of their lives and is a key vehicle that can drive interest in our sport. The LTA is proud to be able to share this incredible achievement with the British people and those who loyally supported and backed the team. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to inspire and captivate a nation and we want to use this Trophy Tour to bring more children and adults into our great sport and thank the tennis community for believing we could do it.”
Cllr Frank Pearson, Winchester City Council Portfolio Holder for Sport, said: “We are thrilled to have been chosen to be a part of this very special Davis Cup Trophy Tour. To allow the local community to share the successes of the GB team has already driven an increased passion and enthusiasm for tennis in the area.”
Richard Cutler, chair of Hampshire and IOW LTA, concluded: “Hampshire & IOW LTA is thrilled to host the Davis Cup trophy as a celebration of a wonderful achievement for British Tennis. The event will offer a great opportunity for local people to witness a piece of history, and to have a go at tennis themselves.”
To book a slot to play or a time slot for a photograph with the trophy, go to: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/OpenDays/WinchesterHighStreet
To find out more about the Davis Cup Legacy visit: www.lta.org.uk/daviscuplegacy
