Tennis star Murray turns out for Wimbledon readathon

5:30pm Tuesday 16th September 2008

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Ace author Tony Hawks served up a literary treat for Merton school children today as he led them on a mass readathon on Wimbledon’s Number One court.

Mr Hawks - famous for his own hilarious sporting tale Playing the Moldovan’s at Tennis - helped the 650 children make a real racket as they all read out a story at the same time.

“We know children respond better to encouragement from inspirational role models, so support from the tennis stars make a big difference to what we can achieve.”

Katy Hamlin

The children from 14 different primary schools performed a group recital of a Wimbledon championships story “Mr Hillyard’s Fearful Tea” about a player who lost a semi-final in 1907 because she drank a dodgy cup of tea during a rain delay.

The school kids then spent 45 minutes reading to themselves as part of the Reading Racket readathon - organised by Merton Council and the All England Club.

They were then treated to watching some of Britain’s tennis stars - including Wimbledon mixed doubles winner Jamie Murray - practice for a forthcoming Davis Cup tie.

Katy Hamlin, Wimbledon study support centre manager, said: “The ability to read is a critical life skill, not just for books but all sorts of practical everyday applications and without it a whole world is closed off.

“We know children respond better to encouragement from inspirational role models, so support from the tennis stars make a big difference to what we can achieve.”

• For more information on local events click here for more pictures from the event click here.