9 January 2014 | Tennis Queensland

Tennis Queensland invited four dedicated athletes to showcase their skills on Pat Rafter Arena during the Brisbane International.

Damian Phillips, Archie Graham, Mitchell James and Alex Baker are avid players and are supported by the Tennis Queensland Intellectual Disabilities program.

Experienced at owning Pat Rafter Arena after having drawn a crowd last year at the Brisbane International, the boys’ were led onto court by Tennis Queensland’s State Coach for players with an Intellectual Disability Alison Scott and Chantel Jamieson.

After being inspired by Aussie legend Llyeton Hewitt warming up next to them in the player’s corridor, the boys’ leapt onto the court in front of the packed arena and demonstrated some drill work before the Aussie’s match.

Stephen Phillips the MC introduced the boys’ and told the crowd why they were so deserving of being on Pat Rafter Arena and truly captured their commitment to Tennis.

Damian Phillips is 23 years old & began playing tennis at 12 years of age. At the Australian Tennis Championships he was the Singles Quarter Finalist and Doubles Runner-up. He also had great results at the NSW State Titles coming Runner – Up in the M Singles and winning the Doubles – for the third year in a row, with partner Archie Graham.

One of Damian’s major highlights of the year was when he was chosen to represent Australia to compete overseas at the World Tennis Championships in the Czech Republic. He came 4th in the Men’s Teams Event, got a Bronze Medal in the Men’s Doubles and took out the Gold Medal in the World Mixed Doubles event. A great event with many outstanding results for Damian.

Alex Baker started playing tennis with Special Olympics at the age of 10. Alex has been described as an all round good sportsman who not only thrives at the competitive side of tennis but also the social aspect off court.

In 2004 Alex won the gold medal for singles and doubles at the Special Olympics Junior National Games in Tasmania. He also represented Queensland in tennis at the Special Olympics National Games in 2006 and 2010. Alex is looking forward to the exciting things that 2014 will bring to his tennis & is very proud to be here today on Pat Rafter Arena.

Archie Graham has had an outstanding 2013 and has proven to be a consistent, tough competitor with a huge serve. Archie has won the Australian, QLD, and NSW Open Championships Singles, and also Silver at the Special Olympics State Games in Singles and Gold in Doubles.

Archie has been lucky enough to be nominated in both the 2013 Tennis QLD ‘Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability Award’ as well as the Lifestream ‘Sue Fleming Sports Award’. He also was picked to represent Australia at the World Tennis Championships.

Mitchell James has played since he was 5 years old. Mitchell also represented Australia in the Czech Republic at the World Tennis Championships in June bringing home 2 silver medals and won the Special Olympics State Games. Mitchell works as a Junior Development coach and is the volunteer tennis coach to Special Olympics athletes in his region.

Mitchell won the ‘2013 Tennis Qld Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability Award’ for the 3^rd year in a row. He also awarded the Life Stream ‘Sue Fleming Sports Award for 2013’.