DROITWICH tennis coach Neil Bates has been named as a community Batonbearer for the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay.
He has been nominated for his efforts to increase participation in the sport across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, especially for disabled, blind and young people.
Neil also raised money to have the Droitwich Lido Park tennis courts resurfaced and has introduced 200 children, aged between three and 16, to the sport through his sessions.
And he launched walking tennis for those less mobile and sessions for the visually impaired.
The 16th Queen’s Baton will travel across England for 29 days, visiting Wychavon on July 22.
Neil, who does not yet know where he will be running, said: “I was genuinely shocked when I was told the news but over the moon at the same time.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to have been chosen out of everyone who was nominated.
“It’s going to be a very special occasion and a proud moment to carry the baton.”
