Reservoir VIC, Australia, 12 January 2015 | tennis.com.au

The first sod has been turned in the development of four permanent ANZ Tennis Hot Shots courts at Reservoir East Primary School in Victoria today, the first project from the new Tennis Cares initiative.

School Principal James Cumming was joined by a group of excited students as they witnessed the beginning of the transformation from neglected schoolyard to state-of-the-art mini tennis courts.

“We’re absolutely thrilled with the generosity the Tennis Cares initiative has provided. These courts will make a huge difference to our community and gives the students an opportunity to play like their heroes every day. ”

The new courts, expected to be completed by the end of February, will encourage children to play tennis all year and help the school’s goal of increasing student participation in sporting activities.

Reservoir East Primary School has a student population of 143, with enrolments from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds and a focus on encouraging tolerance, harmony and warmth.

Tennis Cares, an initiative of Tennis Australia, the Australian Tennis Foundation and the sport of tennis, has granted $61,560 towards the project.

Manager of Government Relations & Strategic Projects Robin O’Neill is excited about the launch of the first major Tennis Cares project.

“These courts will be a fantastic addition to Reservoir East Primary School and will provide endless hours of fun and development for the students.

“This is just one of the ways that Tennis Cares will make a difference in communities throughout Australia.

“I’m sure that these courts will have a positive and lasting impact on the school community.” continued O’Neill.

Tennis Cares

Tennis Cares is a positive force for change, where Australians from all walks of life can play, connect and achieve. Communities are at their best when people are healthy, connected to each other and have hope for their futures.

The Tennis Cares mission is to partner with business, organisations and government, including the Australian Tennis Foundation, to contribute to the success of vibrant communities.