Australia’s inaugural tennis tournament for players who are blind or have low vision has got underway in Adelaide today.
Tennis SA and Tennis Australia, in conjunction with Somerton Park Tennis Club and Sacred Heart Secondary College, will host the Blind and Low Vision Tennis Tournament and Training Camp from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 October 2019.
The open mixed tournament is expected to see 12 players from around Australia visit Adelaide for the first event of its kind.
The tournament forms a part of the national pathway for blind and low vision tennis which will see a series of development camps and tournaments take place around Australia. These events will culminate with the selection of the Australian team to take part in the International Blind Tennis Competition to be held in Italy in June 2020.
Under the leadership of coach Nick Bradley, Foundation Tennis Development at Somerton Park Tennis Club now runs the largest blind and low vision tennis program in Australia, leading to Adelaide being chosen to host the inaugural event in Australia.
“We are thrilled to be offering the very first tennis tournament for players who are blind and have low vision,” said Tennis Australia Talent Development Manager Tennis Inclusion, Holly Tawse.
“It is hoped that this will be the first of many tennis events for players who are blind or low vision in Australia.
“We are also excited to announce that Foundation Tennis Development at Somerton Park Tennis Club has been named the official South Australian Blind and Low Vision Tennis Hub. It is our hope that this club will continue to develop players who will represent Australia at an international level in the future.”
Tennis SA Interim CEO, Brett Hidson is excited to have welcomed players from around Australia to the state.
“It is an honour to be hosting the first tournament for players who are blind or with low vision in South Australia.
“We look forward to welcoming the players and their families to Adelaide and hope they enjoy what I’m sure will be a fantastic event.”
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