Italy / DE&I / Sports

29 August - 1 September 2024

At Mitsubishi Electric, we view sport as a means of fostering community well-being, promoting inclusion and a healthy lifestyle.

That’s why we are proud to support the non-profit Badia Tennis Academy, which, in collaboration with L’Onda ASD (an association dedicated to social inclusion for disabled youth) and the ITF (International Tennis Federation), organised the inaugural ITF BTA Wheelchair Open in Badia Polesine, Rovigo, from 29 August to 1 September 2024.

Wheelchair tennis, which originated in the late 1970s in the United States, has since gained global recognition and is now an integral part of the Grand Slam tournaments: Wimbledon, Roland Garros, the US Open, and the Australian Open.

The tournament brought together 25 elite international athletes, delivering outstanding competition and sportsmanship. Christina Pesendorfer shone in the women’s singles, securing victory with determination and skill, while Nicolas Charrier triumphed in the men’s singles, further solidifying his reputation as one of the sport’s leading players.

Following the success of the event, which raised awareness of wheelchair tennis within the Rovigo community, the Badia Tennis Academy will launch free introductory wheelchair tennis courses in 2025. These courses will provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in the sport.

This initiative not only seeks to encourage an active, healthy lifestyle but also aims to foster inclusion and social engagement. By creating accessible opportunities for people with disabilities to play wheelchair tennis, it offers a platform for personal growth and connection, breaking down barriers and building a more inclusive community through sport.