After 12 years, the ITF Wheelchair Tennis Masters returned to the Netherlands. From 30 October to 6 November, the Rusheuvel in Oss was the domain for the top international wheelchair tennis players in the singles, doubles and quads categories. For this event, we provided advice and support in the initial phase and ultimately the full implementation of the event.
We couldn't have done this without
Big spectacle
The entire world top of wheelchair tennis (singles and doubles) got the chance to conclude the tennis season very successfully and win the world title. In the converted multifunctional Sports Centre de Rusheuvel, 5 hardcourt courts were used for playing and training.
At the centre of this accommodation was the Centre Court, with room for as many as 500 enthusiastic supporters. Which were filled by some 2,000 visitors during the event.
Home game
With the office based in Oss, this event was a true home game. The Rusheuvel is a sports icon within the municipality and was transformed into a top sports venue for this event. Pupils, students, young people, the elderly, businessmen, local residents, tennis enthusiasts, day trippers and residents of the municipality of Oss all visited this special sports event.
Many marvelled at the incredibly high level of wheelchair tennis; for a good number of visitors a hitherto unknown branch of sport.
''I think it's a huge boost for Paralympic sport. Especially for wheelchair tennis.''
Connie Helder, Minister of sports, VWS
Gold for the Netherlands
It was a very successful event for the Dutch athletes. Among the ladies, Diede de Groot managed to win Gold in the singles and doubles together with Aniek van Koot. In the men's event, Ruben Spaargaren & Tom Egberink secured a silver medal. Finally, a gold podium in the quads. With Sam Schröder as winner in the singles and together with Niels Vink in the quads doubles.
High-profile visit
During the ITF Wheelchair Tennis Masters, we were privileged to host two high-profile visitors. First of all, Connie Helder, minister of long-term care and sport, was present. During her visit, she received a tour of the event grounds and watched compatriots Sam Schröder and Niels Vink win gold in the quads doubles.
The following afternoon, we were privileged to receive Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet. The princess has been committed to disabled sports and paralympic sports for years. Under the Princess' inspiring eye, Diede de Groot managed to win the world title in the women's singles. In addition, several paralympic medallists were honoured by the princess during the Wheelchair Tennis Masters.
Side events
Several side events were organised in the run-up to and during the ITF Wheelchair Tennis Masters.
Mansour Bahrami
On Thursday and Friday evening, visitors could enjoy a demonstration match between ball wizard Mansour Bahrami, Sjeng Schalken and a number of Dutch wheelchair tennis players. Here, visitors were treated to spectacular tennis tricks by the 66-year-old Bahrami and some special moves by the other tennis players.
School program
To create more awareness of wheelchair tennis and wheelchair sports in general, we set up a schools programme together with Sport Expertise Centre (SEC). This was implemented by SEC in the run-up to the event, as well as with a clinic for primary school children during the event.
Kids day
The kids day during the event was filled with a number of components: wheelchair tennis clinic, Uniek Esports and a children's press conference. During Unique Esports, primary school students were able to experience that it is definitely possible to play Esports despite a disability. The Kids Day ended with a children's press conference where pupils could ask questions to two Dutch participants and Eric Kersten (CEO & Founder Team TOC).
