An inspirational young person representing Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) will take centre stage at the Ladies’ Singles Final 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 Club Chairman, Ian Hewitt.
Park Lane Stables RDA offers 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 George on a visit to the AELTC prior to performing the coin toss before the Ladies’ Singles Final at The Championships 2023. Credit: AELTC/Ben Queenborough
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.
“Philippa is amazing,” Natalie said. “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 million, was very excited to have been selected.
“I just can’t believe it still and I can’t wait for it,” she said. “It’s going to be amazing.”
Philippa and her family will ben taken on a tour of the Clubhouse and lunch in the Competitors’ Restaurant before the match. She will be assisted with her on-court duties by Gerry Armstrong, Championships Referee.
“In recognition of Ian Hewitt’s role in establishing the Wimbledon Foundation 10 years ago, we invited Ian and Jenifer to nominate two charities important to them for this year’s coin toss,” said Paige Murphy, Head of the Wimbledon Foundation. “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.”
Lead image of Philippa George and Natalie O’Rourke MBE. Credit: AELTC/Ben Queenborough
