Making its debut six weeks ago, the Blind and Low Vision Tennis League has officially concluded its first season on Wednesday 26 June at The Drive. This sporting initiative is the first of its kind within Australia and Tennis SA are proud to continue to grow within the Diversity and Inclusion space and providing more opportunities to everyone of all ages and abilities.
The Blind and Low Vision Tennis League offered six weeks of regular match play and two weeks of finals for 17 players aged between 14 to 58 across various sporting classes and abilities. The players have been grouped into four teams, each named after animals with a vision impairment: the Blue Bison’s, Green Giant Panda’s, Purple Possum’s, and Red Rhino’s.
The League has been generously supported by a $2,000 donation from the Ken McGregor Fund, offering the opportunity for players to compete at a local level.
“We were thrilled to provide the opportunity to showcase the inaugural Blind and Low Vision Tennis League at The Drive, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of Tennis SA’s mission and we are determined to continue to provide a safe and inclusive environment for players of all ages and abilities to showcase their talent and passion for our sport,” Tennis SA CEO Debbie Sterrey says.
“A shout out to all the volunteers who came out every week in support of this initiative and congratulations to all the players on a wonderful first season.”
The Grand Final saw the completion of the first season, with the Blue Bison’s and Red Rhino’s fighting for top position and the Green Giant Panda’s facing off against the Purple Possum’s to claim either third or fourth place. The night brought about incredible displays of tennis from all teams and the very first tie breaker of the season between Lachlan Wallace (Rhino’s) and Bo Buakhao (Bison’s) 7-6 (18-16) with Bo claiming the win.
The Blue Bison’s started the night off in strong form over the Red Rhino’s which resulted in a 5 – 34 to 1 – 22 victory.
Tennis SA School Development Coordinator Jack Crispin says, “I am proud to be part of a successful first season of the Blind and Low Vision League, it’s been a lot of hard work to get this off the ground, and to be able to create an inclusive competition for all the players. It’s been a privilege to be able to see the enthusiasm and commitment not only from the players but the support staff that have helped out along the way and collaborated in making this league possible.”
First Place: Blue Bison’s
Second Place: Red Rhino’s
Third Place: Green Giant Panda’s
Fourth Place: Purple Possum’s
View the full Blind and Low Vision League below:
| Team | Points | MR |
| Blue Bison’s | 51 | 8.5 |
| Red Rhino’s | 28 | 4.67 |
| Green Giant Panda’s | 27 | 4.5 |
| Purple Possum’s | 14 | 2.33 |
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