Congratulations are in order for 2016 Australian Open Interstate Ballkid Visitor Program South Australian representatives, Rebeka Schaefer and Bailey McCarthy.
Rebeka and Bailey were selected to represent South Australia following their outstanding participation in the 2015 World Tennis Challenge, earning them the opportunity to spend three weeks at the Australian Open held in January.
“My experience in Melbourne was one of a kind – I made such great friends that I’ll keep for a lifetime. Being surrounded by such a positive group of people all the time for 24 days has brought me close to so many people from all across the world! Getting the opportunity to be on Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena are experiences I don’t think I’ll ever forget,” Schaefer said.
“It was a truly unforgettable experience, forged by weeks of laughter, friendship and countless memories. Having the opportunity to meet so many people from many different places, and to conceive such strong friendships was absolutely amazing,” McCarthy added.
“Rebeka and Bailey have both proven to be outstanding representatives for our state. Both have been enthusiastic leaders of our state ballkid squads over the past two years and their hard work made them truly deserving of this fantastic experience,” said Breanna Hassam, Manager of the World Tennis Challenge Ballkid Program.
Rebeka and Bailey were joined in Melbourne by fellow South Australians, Hartley Nobes and Nicole Kascak.
Rebeka and Bailey are now set to pass the baton on to Kane Fountas and Caitlin Nancarrow, who have been selected to represent the state in 2017.
“We are, of course, very excited to announce that Kane and Caitlin will be representing South Australia at the Australian Open in 2017. Both Kane and Caitlin displayed an outstanding attitude during the World Tennis Challenge and are very worthy recipients of this opportunity,” said Hassam.
“The chance to represent South Australia at the Australian Open is the opportunity of a lifetime for Kane and Caitlin, and we wish them all the very best of luck,” Hassam added.
The official Interstate Ballkid Visitor Program representatives will attend intensive on court training sessions, an official Australian Open induction and orientation days during 2016.
Express your interest in the World Tennis Challenge Ballkid Squad and Woolworths Ballkid Program!
Register now by completing the expression of interest form available at: http://bit.ly/1x7uVy2. Expressions of interest close on Friday 26 August 2016.
Ballkids play an integral role in ensuring that tennis tournaments run smoothly. Throughout the Australian Open series, each ballkid is a focal part of every game, be it at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne or at the Brisbane International, Hobart International, Apia International Sydney or South Australia’s very own, World Tennis Challenge!
Ballkids are aged between 11 and 17 years depending on the tournament age restrictions. Please see below exact ages for each tournament:
- Australian Open, Melbourne (age: 12–15 years)
- Brisbane International presented by Suncorp (age: 12–17 years)
- Hopman Cup (age: 12–15 years)
- Hobart International (age: 11–15 years)
- Apia International Sydney (age: 12–15 years)
- World Tennis Challenge, Adelaide (age: 12–17 years)
- Australian Pro Tour (age: up to 18 years)
Latest
SA