Tomáš Souček and Vladimír Coufal joined 16-time Grand Slam champion Andy Lapthone and lifelong West Ham United fan Jade Mills on the tennis court to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Souček and Coufal are both avid fans of tennis and regularly play when their football schedule allows, and were thrilled to meet two Hammers supporters on the indoor courts at the Lee Valley Tennis Centre.
The two Czech Republic internationals, complete with their own tennis gear, shared stories with Paralympic medallist and lifelong supporter Lapthorne and University of East London student Jade before presenting each with their own personalised West Ham United home shirts.
Souček and Coufal were then invited to try their talents at wheelchair tennis, with the pair attempting to balance their movement in the wheelchair with striking the ball.
“It was a good experience,” Souček said. “It took me a while to get good movement in the wheelchair and then I remembered I had to hit the ball as well! It was a great experience.”
Coufal added: “It was my first time playing tennis in a wheelchair and I have to give big respect to Andy and anyone else who does, because it’s so difficult and I don’t know how they do it. The movement is hard enough and then you have to play tennis too. I’m so grateful I got the chance to try this and I hope I passed my trial!”
Sunday 3 December marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023. Proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly, the annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
For lifelong fan Lapthorne who, despite having cerebral palsy, has won two single US Open Grand Slams and 14 double Grand Slams – including two Wimbledon titles and six Australian Opens – West Ham’s support of the day as a Club is essential.
"It’s been amazing to meet Tomáš and Vlad, and for the guys to get in the chairs and had a go is great too,” he told whufc.com. “It’s always nice to show people the sport that we play and love, and for them to see how difficult it is.
“It’s great to see the Club is getting involved in events like this, and supporting the community. For West Ham players to be so willing to throw themselves into stuff like this is amazing.”
Wheelchair user Jade has been told her whole life that she could not do things because of her own cerebral palsy but has rallied against these claims to enjoy an active lifestyle, including playing regular wheelchair basketball, and also study Sports Coaching and Performance.
“I’m a West Ham United supporter and I didn’t know I was going to get the chance to meet the players. It’s a dream come true,” Jade said.
“I learned some new skills and picked up a few things from Andy, like how to move around on the court. The game is crazy because there are so many technical parts of wheelchair tennis, but it was great to learn more about another sport.
“I was always being told things like ‘we don’t know how you’re going to get there’, and other negatives all the way through school. Coming through university, that helped me to build my own confidence and understand that I can get wherever I want to be.”
Both Souček and Coufal know the importance of showing their support, as West Ham players, for fans living with disabilities.
Approximately 15 per cent of the world’s population, more than one billion people, have some form of disability, and the duo were more than happy to give their support.
“Being here, it’s very important,” Souček continued. “We can see the stories of people like Andy, and it was really nice of him to share his story with us and to see what he has achieved. We both have a lot of respect for him and his accomplishments. It’s a perfect story.”
“To be part of the West Ham community is not just about playing football and being a football player. You have to be part of the wider community too,” Coufal added.
“Everyone has a different story, just like Jade’s, and it was inspiring to hear from her. It’s a privilege to be here and support Andy and Jade, and it’s so important too.”
