22 Feb ITF Seniors World Team and Individual Championships, Christchurch
ITF Seniors World Team and Individual Championships, Christchurch
I am sure you are aware, there was an earthquake in Christchurch earlier today which has damaged the centre of the city and also caused damage to the tennis centre and to some of the hotels where players are staying for the ITF Seniors World Team Championships.
As you may know, we have an Irish Men’s 55+ Senior team currently competing in Ashburton, near Christchurch.That team is comprised of Neagle Cathcart, Robin Gibney, Noel Sheridan and Jimmy Wilson.
We have been in contact with the Irish Men’s 55+ team and all are safe and well. They are based in Ashburton, approx 50km from Christchurch and whilst they felt the quake, there has been no damage to their hotel/facilities. They are all obviously in a state of shock but safe and well.
The ITF has this morning cancelled the four Seniors World Team Championship Cups scheduled to be played in Christchurch, New Zealand because of severe damage to the tennis facilities but, for the present time, the Cups scheduled for Timaru and Ashburton will continue (including the Mens 55+ event in which Ireland are competing).
Lesley O’Halloran who is due to compete in the 2011 Seniors World Individual Championships, scheduled to be played next week in Christchurch, has not yet travelled to Christchurch. She was due to leave Dublin tonight but the ITF have asked that any players competing in the Individual Championships who have not already arrived in New Zealand should delay their journey until they provide a further announcement @ 10.00 GMT tomorrow.