Swindon's Louise Hunt Skelley PLY will be commentating on the wheelchair tennis event at the first European Para Championships in Rotterdam from August 8 to 13.
The former wheelchair tennis star's husband, Chris Hunt Skelley MBE, will be competing in judo.
The inaugural European Para Championships is a multisport event which includes both judo and tennis, and will be staged every four years and will always be hosted by a major European city in the year preceding the Paralympic Games.
The 2023 inaugural event will feature 10 parasports with 1,500 athletes competing to become European Para Champions and, for some, it will mean qualification for Paris2024.
“I am so excited to be commentating on the wheelchair tennis at this fist European Para Championships,” Louise said.
“Multisport events always create such a different and unique atmosphere, I’m really looking forward to playing my part in this awesome showcase of para sport.
“While at the same cheering on my husband Chris who will be competing and hoping to win a meda too.”
As well as the chance to become European champions, the winners in the tennis divisions will automatically qualify for next year’s Paralympic Games in Paris.
“The stakes are really high, and there is all to play for,” Louise added. “I can’t wait to see some more high-quality wheelchair tennis players promoted on an international stage.”
Louise has plenty of experience to bring to the commentary box. She made her debut covering the Wimbledon wheelchair tennis event in 2013. She took a break while competing before returning to commentating after retiring from playing the sport competitively in 2021.
During her playing career, Louise represented Great Britain at both the London and Rio Paralympics, and won 13 singles and 41 doubles titles, with a career-high international ranking of 10.
Since retiring from playing, Louise has also gained experience as a tournament director. Having had a taste at an event in Abingdon, Oxfordshire Louise went on to direct The Bolton Indoor ITF3 Wheelchair Tennis Tournament earlier this year, giving her another view of the workings of a major international tennis tournament.
The mission of the European Para Championships is to create a new standard for Paralympic sports events worldwide and to inspire people – with or without disabilities, rich or poor, young or old and regardless of background – to take up sports and exercise.
While the wheelchair tennis event runs until the 13th August, the Championships end on August 20.
More information about Louise can be found at http://www.louisehunt.co.uk/ and about the event at https://europeanparachampionships.com/
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