In April 2013, Cottesloe Tennis Club proudly hosted the Inaugural Governors Charity Tennis Day with all proceeds raised to support the growth of both, indigenous tennis and wheelchair tennis across WA. Tennis West and Tennis Australia worked closely with Wheelchair Sports WA (WCSWA) to maximise the generosity shown throughout the day, as well as how we can support Wheelchair Tennis further in our State.
Mid-September saw Greg Crump (Tennis Australia’s National Wheelchair Tennis Coach), along with David Hall (Former World #1 in Men’s Singles Wheelchair events) visit Perth to spend a couple of days sharing their knowledge, and love of the sport with Tennis West staff, coaches and athletes of all abilities and ages.
Seven WA coaches attended the personal development session, which started off with an insight into the beginnings of wheelchair tennis and how it has vastly changed throughout the years, followed by a practical element.
Coaches were shown the basic fundamentals of Wheelchair Tennis from movement & agility and progressions on ball striking, to encompassing all athletes on the court at once. Adam Carey, WA National Head Coach, said “spending time with an experienced coach like Greg Crump was an incredible opportunity for our staff. Whether it be able bodied or wheelchair tennis Greg’s engaging and professional delivery of the material allowed us to experience the wheelchair game from a whole new perspective. His ability to relate his experiences as a coach of both able bodied and wheelchair tennis players allowed stimulating and valuable discussion to take place, and I left feeling excited and ready to take what I had learnt back into my own environment”.
Tennis West delivered a three week program to WCSWA and their ‘Little Dribblers’ program, with week four being held at the State Tennis Centre for a Wheelchair Tennis Fun Day. Twenty participants took part in the day and were joined by David Hall, who spoke about life on tour. He joined in with all the court activities which held significant meaning for all involved.
Adam Carey described his time with David, stating: “As a coach of elite players, getting to spend time with a champion of the sport in David Hall is an experience I cherish. His love and passion for the game is invigorating and his dedication to his craft is evident in everything he does. It was invaluable for me to hear him echo the simple age-old messages of discipline, hard work and tireless determination required to excel.”
Tennis West would like say a special thank you to all involved; Tennis Australia and David Hall, along with Variety-the Children’s Charity of WA, Cottesloe Tennis Club and Wheelchair Sports WA. Tennis West looks forward to working closely with these partners to grow the game together.
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