Brisbane QLD, Australia, 18 April 2018 | Camilla Campbell

More than 500 students from across Queensland to attended the state’s second annual Youth of Tomorrow School Education Program at the Queensland Tennis Centre today, with students from Petrie, Bayview, Russell Island, Inala and Eagleby in attendance.

The program, which was first launched in Melbourne in 2008, uses sport as a way of connecting students with the concept of the ANZAC spirit by teaching the values of sacrifice, camaraderie and mateship within an educational and sporting environment.

More than a decade ago, Umit Oraloglu and tennis legend Pat Cash created the School Education Program alongside the Gallipoli Youth Cup at Melbourne Park (home of the Australian Open), by revolutionizing the way students connect with Australia’s ANZAC history and values, and this same concept has doubled its reach across South East Queensland and Brisbane since launching last year.

“The School Education Program continues to go from strength to strength and we are delighted to have attracted new supporting partners to our program and also the attendance of extra primary schools from other regions within Queensland that have never participated in our niche event,” said Umit Oraloglu and Pat Cash, Co-Founders.

Youth of Tomorrow partners with Mates4Mates, a national ex-service organisation, who have staff on hand at the Queensland Tennis Centre to talk to students about the history of Gallipoli, the role of the ANZACs in the First World War, and the importance of today’s Australian Defence Force.

“Mates4Mates is proud to again be an Associate Partner with the Youth of Tomorrow Program in 2018. The program provides the opportunity for our young students to learn about the importance and history of the Gallipoli campaign in an engaging way,” said Troy Watson, Mates4Mates Chief Executive Officer.

“The ANZAC Spirit continues to live on in our community and programs like this ensure our future generations understand the sacrifice that was paid by those soldiers who fought in WWI,” he said.

While at the Queensland Tennis Centre, students will tour the facility and get on court as part of the program’s hands-on approach to practising the values taught on the day.

“We’re thrilled to see tennis being used as such a positive tool for learning, connecting students with values in sport that are the core to Australia’s identity including giving your best, respecting your opponents, and working hard to achieve your goals,” said CEO of Tennis Queensland Mark Handley.

Supporting the delivery of the program is PRO IT, which is the Principal Partner of Brisbane’s School Education Program.

“PRO IT is honoured to be partnering with Youth of Tomorrow’s School Education Program in Queensland. This program has enriched and made a positive impact on the educational and sporting values of disadvantaged students in the region.”

“The program promotes team values, comradeship and goal setting which will ensure these children a well-balanced future. More importantly, this ground breaking initiative will foster respect and diversity and benefit not only the students, but the community as a whole,” said Mr Bekir Kilic, CEO of PRO IT.

With twice as many students attending this year, the Youth of Tomorrow program is expanding its reach across Queensland, with a focus on disadvantaged schools. For the first time, schools from Moreton Bay and Inala are taking part on April 18.

Moreton Bay Regional Mayor Allan Sutherland said he was thrilled to support an engaging initiative that teaches kids about living a healthy and active life.

“Tennis is the kind of sport you can play from cradle to grave so it’s a skill that’s with you for life,” he said.

“This is a great way to invest in the futures of local kids, teaching them about the importance of individual perseverance as well as also how camaraderie and mateship are essential to success in events like doubles and team tournaments.