Aspiring Paralympian Ruben Harris gets sponsorship boost from Redrow

Tennis News

Twelve-year-old Ruben Harris, who has spent his life in and out of hospital, has been the beneficiary of a £500 sponsorship from local housebuilder Redrow to help fund his wheelchair tennis training.

Kent-based Ruben was born with congenital talipes equinovarus, also known as clubfeet, and has recently had both feet removed, following painful attempts to adjust the position of his feet.

Thanks to Redrow’s sponsorship, Ruben will be able to continue his hard work and important training with the aim of achieving his goal of competing in the 2020 School Games event, as one of four boys chosen to represent Team GB in wheelchair tennis.

Ruben’s passion for wheelchair tennis started when Ruben wanted to join clubs and play sports like other children but was set back by his disability. Ruben and his parents explored wheelchair sports clubs and in January 2018, discovered he excelled at wheelchair tennis.
Ruben-Harris-serving

The committed young athlete trains for between four and five hours a week, with the sport giving Ruben the space to mentally and physically recover from his operations. Ruben currently trains at the National Tennis Centre, where he is inspired by role models such as Paralympian Alfie Hewitt.

Leon Shelton-Smith, Area Sales Manager at Redrow South East, commented: “We are delighted to be sponsoring such an inspiring young athlete. It is great to be given the opportunity to help Ruben achieve his goals, which are incredibly admirable. We wish Ruben the best of luck for his journey to the 2020 School Games and will watch out for him on our TVs in the future!”

Taking place in 2020, the School Games is a four-day multi-sport event for the UK’s best athletes at school age. The event encourages more young people to take part in sport and is hosted at Loughborough University.

Through reinforcing the atmosphere of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, such as an Opening Ceremony and Athletes Village, the event aims to inspire young individuals. The School Games is the ideal step for budding athletes, as 15% of Team GB at Rio 2016 participated in the School Games.

Ruben has a Just Giving page to help fund his journey to the 2020 School Games.

* Redrow is currently delivering new homes across thirteen developments in Kent, from The Parsonage in Marden to Sunningdale Green in Herne Bay.

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