2 November 2017 | Tennis Queensland

World no.1 player with a disability Archie Graham helped almost 200 students with a disability learn the basics of tennis at the Queensland Tennis Centre as part of the Lifestream Gala Day.

The second annual inclusive gala day saw students from 10 special schools take part in sessions that introduce the basic skills of tennis, as well as the opportunity to practice those skills in a red ball competition.

“The kids are loving it they are having a fantastic time and it’s really getting them into tennis,” said Mikahla Steele from Pine Rivers Special School.

“We don’t have tennis at our school yet but we’re looking at it. We’ve got a couple of kids that play tennis with their families, but [all students] are very much engaged in it.”

The gala day is an opportunity for schools to expand the horizons of their students in more ways than one.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to work with other kids from other schools, to experience different facilities and even the transport, getting to and from school and getting out of their small enclosed environment,” said Steele.

Andrew Thompson is principal at Redlands Special School, and said it was great to see all his students having such a good time, taking part in an activity they wouldn’t necessarily get access to at home.

“They’re having a great time and it’s about fun and participating for our kids, activities they wouldn’t normally participate in,” said Thompson.

“Because the students from special schools don’t necessarily participate in a lot of sport outside of school, it’s very difficult for families to access sports and get the kids the kids involved we try to broaden their experience as much as possible.”

From today, it’s hoped students will develop an interest in the sport that will lead them to their local club; something Principle Thompson feels likely after today.

“I think if there was an opportunity to develop these skills in a very safe environment – and sometimes it’s about getting the families to feel comfortable that their kids are going to feel safe and not stand out – if there are clubs that can do that and make it inclusive then I think we’d be able to get some kids into tennis for sure.”