19 March 2012 | Tennis Victoria
The second in a series of Tennis Come and Try Days for young Indigenous Australians was held in Shepparton yesterday, with Australian tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley hosting approximately 30 juniors at McEwen Reserve Tennis Club.
Part of the Learn Earn Legend! Initiative, the day gave Goolagong Cawley the chance to help her fulfil her second dream in life, having already fulfilled her first dream of playing at Wimbledon.
“My second dream is to get as many Indigenous kids playing tennis as possible,” said Goolagong Cawley, who is the tennis ambassador for the initiative.
Of the children in attendance, many had never picked up a tennis racquet before, so it was a great opportunity to have some fun with their friends and learn something new.
“We’re using tennis as a vehicle to introduce better education and health amongst the aboriginal kids in Australia,” said Goolagong Cawley.
“They couldn’t wait to get on the court so that’s wonderful.”
The day featured a range of on-court activities including games, basic coaching drills to, amongst other things, teach players the difference between a forehand and backhand, MLC Tennis Hot Shots and Cardio Tennis.
For 13 year-old Stephanie Walker the day gave her the chance to learn how to play tennis and helped to change her perception about the sport.
“I thought it was boring, but it’s actually fun,” said Walker.
Shepparton was chosen to host a Tennis Come and Try Day because it has a large Indigenous population.
“Shepparton is a wonderful very sporting area. We thought Shepparton would be the perfect place [to hold a Come and Try Day],” said Goolagong Cawley.
The Learn Earn Legend! initiative aims to encourage and support young Indigenous Australians to stay at school, get that job and be a legend for themselves, their family and their community.
One such ‘legend’ is Kyah Stewart, who has been part of the Evonne Goolagong Foundation since it started eight years ago and says the mentoring Evonne has provided has been invaluable.
“I’d probably still be in Foster [if it wasn’t for the foundation] and I’m not sure what I’d be doing.
“They’ve given me plenty of opportunities and they’ve supported me along the way. I’m glad that these young indigenous kids are getting the opportunities that I did.”
Cheryl Murray brought along four of her grandchildren ranging in age from 2 ½ -11 to the day and said they all had a terrific time.
“The older girls have always wanted to try tennis. I reckon we’ll have to be looking into putting them in somewhere. They’ve really taken to it.
Murray said it was also great to meet one of her idols.
“I’m in awe of her. I used to watch her when I was younger. She’s just so down to earth. It’s just amazing. You don’t often get to meet your idol.”
The next Tennis Come and Try day will be held on Sunday 25 March at Sale Tennis Club from 10.30 am.
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