Laxey’s Pat Sharp received the Lawn Tennis Association’s 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award at a special ceremony in Douglas on Saturday.
The Albany Tennis Club stalwart was personally presented with the LTA’s coveted award for her long-standing services to tennis by LTA president David Rawlinson.
He travelled to the island to personally present Pat with her trophy in front of friends and family at Ballaughton, while also taking time to visit other local clubs and facilities.
Former British number one, Greg Rusedski, also surprised Pat with a video message congratulating her on the achievement.
Mrs Sharp was originally announced as the winner by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester at a live-streamed awards ceremony presented by Great Britain’s Davis Cup captain Leon Smith on June 24, with Saturday’s gathering providing the opportunity to physically present Pat with her trophy.
She has taken a lead role at Albany Lawn Tennis Club for almost 60 years and has served on the club’s committee for all but one year of her membership.
Pat has had a huge impact on local tennis and sport in general for the past six decades. In 1973 she helped set up the Isle of Man LTA junior coaching committee before later going on to be appointed to the new Isle of Man Sports Council in 1990.
Ten years later, the tennis trailblazer was the recipient of the LTA Meritorious Service award for services to Manx tennis.
Her passion for junior tennis has inspired thousands of children to pick up a racket, while her fund-raising efforts have led to a new clubhouse and the Isle of Man’s first indoor tennis court.
On receiving her LTA Lifetime Achievement Award, Pat said: ’I was happy to accept this award on behalf of all I have worked with over almost 60 years and the trophy will reside in the club’s trophy cabinet so that everyone can share it.
’I was incredibly shocked to receive a video message of congratulations from Greg Rusedski. Despite knowing Greg years ago when we used to travel to Davis Cup ties with G Force, his fan club, he still sends all of us a Christmas card each year. His message is on the club website for all to listen to.’
Commenting, LTA president David Rawlinson said: ’Pat has been and still is an incredible ambassador for tennis in the Isle of Man.
’The time, commitment and energy that Pat has put into tennis for close to 60 years, showing continued teamwork and leadership, is amazing, and she is a fully deserving recipient of the LTA Lifetime Achievement Award.
’It was great to be able to travel to the Isle of Man to personally present Pat with her trophy.’
l To find out more information about the LTA Tennis Awards or for information on how to play, coach, volunteer or officiate in tennis, head to https://www.lta.org.uk/