Photo: Fundacion Tommy Robredo (Anna Diago)Tommy Robredo tries wheelchair tennis in an exhibition at the Open Memorial Santi Silvas
As the London 2012 Paralympic Games draws ever nearer and awareness and support from around the world increases for the Paralympic Movement and all the athletes, ITF Wheelchair Tennis Ambassadors and Olympic Tennis players Tommy Robredo and Jonas Bjorkman have sent their own messages of support for the 112 players competing in six medal events at the Paralympic Tennis Event at Eton Manor on 1-8 September.
Robredo, who has been organising the Open Memorial Santi Silvas, an ITF 2 Series event on the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Tour, for the past four years, sent this message:
I had the opportunity to participate in two Olympic Games, (Athens and Beijing) and I know what that means to be in an event like that!
We (you and myself) are always travelling around the world playing tournaments, but an Olympic and Paralympic experience is something different, something special that maybe we will have the chance to enjoy only once...
So, I just wish all of you can enjoy every single day of your stay in the village and at all the competitions. I recommend you to see all the other sports you can, to learn about them and support your colleagues from your countries and off course I wish you all the best in your matches.
I wouldn't be me if I didn't finish this email wishing a special good luck to my country men and also to all the players that every year are coming to my tournament and that I have had the chance to know.
Enjoy, play well and don't party much until you finish the tournament!
Tommy
Bjorkman, whose playing career included three Olympic Games, in Atlanta in 1996, in Athens in 2004 and in Beijing in 2008, sent this message of support for all the players.
I wish all the players the very best of luck in the Paralympics.
Show good sportsmanship and enjoy the great atmosphere.
May the best player win!
Jonas
Thank you to Tommy Robredo and Jonas Bjorkman for their support.