Park Lane Stables chosen for Wimbledon coin toss
Philippa George and Natalie O’Rourke MBE visiting The All England Lawn Tennis Club, where Philippa will perform the coin toss at the Ladies’ Singles Final on 15 July.
This is the official Press Release from the Wimbledon Foundation, shared here hot off the press a couple of days before the Big Day.
RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION CHOSEN FOR WIMBLEDON COIN TOSS
An inspirational young person representing Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) will take centre stage at the Ladies’ Singles Finals after being nominated to perform the pre-match coin toss ceremony.
Philippa George (27) will perform the coin toss on Centre Court on Saturday 15 July representing Park Lane Stables, an RDA centre in southwest London, after the charity was nominated by Jenifer Hewitt, wife of All England Lawn Tennis Club Chairman, Ian Hewitt.
Park Lane Stables RDA offers horse riding, carriage driving and specialist therapy to enrich the lives of children and adults with disabilities or learning difficulties. Founder and manager, Natalie O’Rourke MBE describes the stables as “a place of kindness, where we want people to leave happier than when they arrive.”
Philippa has been part of Park Lane Stables RDA for 15 years and plays an important role in inviting and welcoming new people and organising social events. Natalie said: “Philippa is amazing. She is a great ambassador because a parent of a child with additional needs looks at Philippa and just sees that the future’s so bright. We’re so lucky to have her as part of our family.”
Philippa, who will perform the coin toss in front of an estimated worldwide audience of 1.2 billion, said, “I just can’t believe it still and I can’t wait for it. It’s going to be amazing.”
Paige Murphy, Head of the Wimbledon Foundation, said: “In recognition of Ian Hewitt’s role in establishing the Wimbledon Foundation ten years ago, we invited Ian and Jenifer to nominate two charities important to them for this year’s coin toss. We’re delighted that through Jenifer nominating Riding for the Disabled Association we are able to give Philippa and Park Lane Stables RDA the recognition they deserve through this once-in-a lifetime opportunity to step out onto Centre Court and perform the coin toss at the Ladies’ Singles Final.”
Philippa and her family will enjoy a tour of the Clubhouse and lunch in the Competitors’ Restaurant before the match. She will be assisted in her on-court duties by Gerry Armstrong, Championships Referee.
Philippa George, Natalie O’Rourke MBE, Jenny Harris (volunteer at Park Lane Stables) with Jenifer Hewitt at The All England Lawn Tennis Club.
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ENDS