21 October 2016 | Tennis Australia

Paralympic gold medallist Heath Davidson paid a visit to Hume Tennis Club to help run a Free Tennis Day for players wanting to try their skills at wheelchair tennis.

Sports wheelchairs were provided by Disability Sport and Rec Victoria with the support of Hume City Council for participants to gain the most out of the experience.

Over 30 participants took part in the day with four people and their families showing up to  try the game for the first time under the guidance of Tennis Australia qualified coaches.

Tennis Australia National Wheelchair Pathway Manager Alex Jago was excited to see such a fantastic turnout on the day

“It was great to see new participants come and try wheelchair tennis. This was a positive start to creating a fun and engaging wheelchair tennis environment at Hume Tennis and Community Centre,” Jago said.

“The players who were trying the game for the first time found the experience to be challenging yet rewarding. By the end of the session they were rallying and playing the game.”

“It was fantastic to see their enthusiasm being mentored alongside a champion of our game Heath Davidson.”

“I think we need to remind people that you don’t have to be in a wheelchair to play wheelchair tennis. There are a lot of physical impairments that qualify you to participate in the sport, you also may just want to support a family or friend by jumping in a chair and becoming a hitting partner.”

Tennis Australia is working to further develop a strong national foundation and pathway for its wheelchair athletes.

The sporting body will be introducing a range of options to discover the next generation of wheelchair tennis talent and increase the breadth of the sport across the nation, including:

• Creating Wheelchair Development Hubs around the country for players, friends and families to play, connect and socialise in a fun and engaging environment
• Developing coaches through coach education opportunities and forming a passionate Wheelchair Coach Network who can connect our players with their local clubs
• And growing the awareness of who is eligible to play wheelchair tennis.

To learn more about wheelchair tennis opportunities and how to get involved as a player, coach or club please contact Alex Jago at [email protected].