30 July 2018 | Tennis Australia

The inaugural National Indigenous Tennis Carnival was officially launched by 14-time Grand Slam champion Evonne Goolagong Cawley at the brand new Darwin International Tennis Centre in the Northern Territory this morning.

Goolagong Cawley joined fellow tennis legend Todd Woodbridge, General Manager Tennis NT Sam Gibson, Tennis NT’s Indigenous Program Manager Joe Kelly, Larrakia Nation chairman Richard Fejo and local Torres Strait Islander performers Upai Purri to introduce the exciting new event to the Top End, set to take place from 6 to 9 September 2018.

The annual National Indigenous Tennis Carnival will celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture by bringing together thousands of individuals and groups to champion youth, art, food and health through the delivery of tennis, music and cultural activities.

The four-day event is expected to see 180 participants from every state and territory and more than 3000 locals and tourists attend

The local community is invited to be part of the action on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 September when a free community concert featuring a popular Indigenous music act will be held, with food trucks, markets and workshops on offer to the general public to get involved.

Goolagong Cawley said the National Indigenous Carnival was a fantastic way to bring tennis and Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander culture together.

“Tennis Australia and the states will be working with Indigenous youth all around the country to help create pathways and opportunities for these players which is exciting,” Goolagong Cawley said.

“I was the first Aboriginal to play in top level tournaments and it’s great for me to see an increase in Indigenous youth playing these days.

“This carnival will celebrate these kids and bring everyone from around the country together.”

Tennis NT CEO Sam Gibson said today’s launch was a defining moment for Tennis NT.

“The National Indigenous Tennis Carnival is something Tennis NT is very proud to be hosting,” Gibson said.

“Across the country there is a multitude of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tennis programs taking place, to be adding this event to the pathway for Indigenous youth is really exciting.

“We want to ensure the carnival has a legacy, not only for tennis in the Northern Territory but for the youth participating, the locals and tourists attending and for Indigenous people.

“We hope to create an event that is remembered for what happens both on and off the court and one that promotes the sharing of culture, health and wellbeing, inclusion and diversity.”

Woodbridge believes the new carnival will help increase opportunities for Indigenous people.

“We hope this carnival helps provide more opportunities and access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’s to get involved in tennis,” Woodbridge said.

“We expect this event will build a foundation for Indigenous communities to help identify new players, educate coaches and clubs and create new career opportunities through the sport.”

National Indigenous Tennis Carnival fast facts

• The inaugural National Indigenous Tennis Carnival (NITC) will be held from the 6 to 9 September 2018 at the brand new Darwin International Tennis Centre
• The NITC will celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture by bringing together thousands of individuals and groups to champion youth, art, food and health through the delivery of tennis, cultural activities, music and workshops.

Tennis

• More than 180 Indigenous participants from every state and territory will participate in the tennis carnival
• Tournaments will be run for participants 10 to 18 years of age regardless of ability or skill level
• There will be two key streams for participants to choose – Participation and Championship
• The top performing girls and boys in the tournament will be invited to play at the International Tennis Federation’s 2019 Fiji Open and Oceania Championships in 2020.

Culture

• Alongside the tennis, the NITC will host a free cultural festival for the general public to attend on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 September
• An award-winning Indigenous musical act will feature at a free community concert on Friday 7 September.