Team SA has finished in second place at the 2019 National Indigenous Tennis Carnival held in Darwin last week.
Mia Dodd (Prospect, SA), Jayden Kemp (Wynn Vale, SA) and Brenton Jackson (Hackham, SA) represented South Australia at the event, now in its second year.
Awarded for the first time in 2019, the Ash Barty Cup is a team participation and effort award. Indigenous tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley was on hand to present the trophies, with Team SA finishing in an admirable second place behind Team Victoria.
Tennis SA Team Managers, Rebeka Schaefer and Matthew Fitzgerald were proud of the player’s efforts throughout the event
“Coming second was a massive surprise for all of us, I don’t think any of us were expecting it. The kids played really well throughout the week, dug deep and got through a few tough matches, which ultimately paid off,” Schaefer said.
“The look on all of their faces was absolutely amazing when they announced our second place.”
“It has been amazing to see all of the states get together, the different cultures and the participants making new friends,” Fitzgerald said.
“Most importantly seeing the children being active, getting out on to the tennis courts and continuously playing. This event has just been amazing.”
Representing South Australia for the first time, Kemp had a remarkable tournament, finishing as the runner up to Liam Williams (Vic) 6-4 6-4 in the 14-and-under Boys’ championship.
“The week has been amazing. I’ve met a lot of new people, I’ve learnt about my culture and it has been incredible. There has been a lot of talent out here and it’s been fun,” said Kemp.
“Liam played well, he was amazing. He bet me fair and square, he was incredible. For the last week, there have been some fantastic matches. It has been tough, but it’s been good.”
Celebrating the cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival is a community and participation tennis event, inviting the general public to support the players and engage in cultural activities, music and workshops.
In its first year the carnival became the nation’s largest-ever gathering of Indigenous tennis players with more than 200 participants from every state and territory taking part. The event is a pivotal part of the Indigenous tennis pathway, and provides an opportunity for not only the elite Indigenous tennis performers, but those trying the sport for the first time.
Additional information on the 2019 NITC
- More than 180 participants travelled to Darwin for the 2019 National Indigenous Tennis Carnival including 84 from NT, 42 from Queensland, 20 from NSW, 10 from WA, 10 from Victoria, 9 from ACT, 6 from Tasmania, and 3 from SA
- NT participants came from 6 communities including the Clontarf Boys Program from Nightcliff Middle School and as far as Numbulwar which is an 11-hour drive
- The event was not only focused on tennis, but provided a culturally immersive experience which saw participants getting the opportunity to take part in the Djuki Mala workshop and concert, learn basket weaving, jewellery making, painting, sculpting and didgeridoo making
- The event is a pivotal part of the Indigenous tennis pathway and provides an opportunity for not only elite Indigenous tennis players but those trying the sport for the first time
- A mural was also created at the event to recognise and celebrate the achievements of Indigenous tennis players Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Ash Barty and inspire participants attending the Darwin event
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