Aidan Moody invited to play in the Australian Open PWII (People with Intellectual Impairments) Championships
At the end of October, Aidan received the very exciting news that he had been selected to compete at the Australian Open in January 2024. Aidan will participate in the AO PWII Championships which will bring together some of the top ranked players in the world with a learning disability. A line up featuring 8 men and 8 women will compete on the Melbourne Park courts during the final four days of the Grand Slam.
Aidan qualified on the back of his achievements representing GB at the Virtus Global Games in France in June earlier this year where he finished in the top ten.
2023 has truly been a year to remember for Aidan: his 1st appearance for GB, followed by playing at Wimbledon in August and topped off by winning the ‘Learning Disability National Championships 2023’ this month.
Aidan is super proud of his achievements and cannot wait for 2024!
Tennis plays a huge part in Aidan’s life and it all started when Giffnock coaches, Craig Williams and Steph Norris, did a taster session at his primary school when he was 9 years old. Soon after, Aidan joined the club and tennis became his passion. Aidan is autistic and discovering tennis has had a huge impact in so many ways. Aidan has thrived in this environment and has loved competing and being part of teams and squads. Thanks to Colin Hanbidge, Aidan was introduced to Lesley Whitehead at Glasgow Disability Tennis when he was 15 years old which has brought so many opportunities. Whilst continuing to play mainstream tennis Aidan joined the LD programme, regularly competing in tournaments across the UK which led to his selection to the GB National squad.
Who would have thought all those years ago when he first picked up a racket at Giffnock, he would be playing at a Grand Slam?
We are holding a fundraiser raffle for Aidan’s big AO Adventure at our next event Christmas Craft Fair & Drinks Night on Friday 1st December. See all the details of the stalls and raffle prizes on our website and buy £1 raffle tickets from the bar or Anne at events@giffnock-uk.co.uk even if you are unable to come to the event itself.
