29 November 2017 | Tennis West

Perth’s own Riverton Primary School was named Most Outstanding School at the 2017 Newcombe Medal, Australian Tennis Awards held at Crown Palladium in Melbourne on Monday night.

 

The award recognises schools that have aligned with a Tennis Australia qualified coach, have a dedicated staff member assigned to tennis, have strong links with their local club and coach and have incorporated tennis as part of the curriculum.

 

As part of the award the school will be presented with $5000 by Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley on Thursday afternoon at a school assembly.

 

Riverton Primary School’s Principal Paul Grundy proudly accepted the award on behalf of the school.

 

“Riverton Primary School is extremely proud and honoured to be announced as the Most Outstanding School for tennis in Australia,” Grundy said.

 

“This award is a reflection of the combined effort of our students, staff, coaches and parents, who have contributed to delivering a fantastic program which aligns with the focus of our campus to increase student participation in physical activity and living a healthy lifestyle.”

 

Tennis West CEO Michael Roberts is delighted the school has been acknowledged for their contribution to grassroots tennis in WA.

 

“Riverton Primary School are a very deserving winner of this award and we are thrilled their hardwork and dedication has been recognised at a national level,” Roberts said.

 

“Not only does Riverton Primary School provide fun and engaging tennis experiences for their students, they also ensure there is a clear link to their local club and coach, so the students can continue with their tennis pathway outside of the school curriculum.”
Since 2014 Riverton Primary School has taken up every possible opportunity to provide tennis experiences for their students.

 

The school has been a part of Tennis Australia’s School Partnership Program for three years and has had the highest-combined participation rates in Western Australia for the ANZ Tennis Hot Shots Red Ball Gala and the boys and girls Academy Plate competitions.

 

Riverton Primary School have developed a strong partnership with Corinthian Park Tennis Club to  increase student participation in tennis.

 

The school also recently resurfaced their new multipurpose courts to include line markings for six orange ball tennis courts.

 

This is the second time in as many years that a Western Australian school has claimed this award.