Serving up history and fun: Mayor and Deputy Mayor Celebrate National Sporting Heritage Day

Serving up history and fun: Mayor and Deputy Mayor Celebrate National Sporting Heritage Day

DR NIK Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Anna Smith marked National Sporting Heritage Day with a visit to two of Cambridge’s most unique and exciting sporting locations, celebrating three centuries of sporting evolution.

The visit began with a demonstration and game of Padel Tennis at the new university funded Padel Tennis Courts at the University of Cambridge Sports Centre that are now open to the public.

Originating in Aculpalco, Mexico, in 1969, Padel has grown into a global sport with over twenty-five million players worldwide. The courts have introduced Padel to Cambridge and the wider region, providing an accessible and fun alternative to modern tennis, perfect for players of all ages and skill levels.

Following an introduction to one the newest forms of racket sport, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor headed to the prestigious University of Cambridge Real Tennis Court where they immersed themselves in the original racket sport.  Built in 1866, the University of Cambridge Real Tenis Court is steeped in rich history, and both had a go at trying their hand at the “sport of kings”.

This visit not only highlights the region’s diverse sporting options and history but the mayor’s commitment to region to promote people living longer, healthier lives.

Mayor Dr Nik Johnson said: “I really enjoyed the tour, especially giving real and padel tennis a go – it was good fun and a nice boost getting some exercise. We’re very lucky as a region to have facilities like this, and I’m proud what we’re doing as a Combined Authority to make such opportunities more accessible.”

Deputy Mayor Anna Smith said: “It was such a fun afternoon. It was brilliant to have my first go at Padel, which I found very accessible and enjoyable, even for a ‘non-sporty’ person like myself. And as a former History teacher, it was a complete joy to try out Real Tennis, which features heavily in Tudor History. A very appropriate way to celebrate national sporting heritage.”

Interim Director of Sport at the University of Cambridge Karen Pearce said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome the Mayor and Deputy Mayor to the University to try out one of our oldest and newest sports! University facilities not only serve only our students and staff but the wider Cambridge community, delivering positive, varied and inclusive opportunities for sport and physical activity. The new padel courts on Cambridge West are a fantastic addition to this and are open now for everyone to use.”