More than 280 Pre-Primary students from across the South West have received brand new tennis racquets this week, thanks to the ANZ Tennis Racquet Roadshow which hit the South West region on Monday and Tuesday.
The roadshow was in the South West as part of Tennis Australia’s partnership with ANZ, with stops at Rapids Landing PS (Margaret River), Dunsborough PS, St Mary MacKillop College (West Busselton), Cooinda PS (Bunbury) and South Bunbury PS.
The South West students who received the racquets have joined more than 30,000 pre-primary school students from more than 800 schools across Australia benefiting from the 2020 National ANZ Tennis Hot Shots Racquet Roadshow.
The lucky students from across the region were joined by 22-time Grand Slam Champion and Australian tennis legend Todd Woodbridge who dialed in for a virtual appearance at each school. Passionate about inspiring the next generation of players, Woodbridge says the game of tennis has lots to offer.
“There are so many skills that kids can develop at a young age by playing tennis, regardless of whether that’s on the court, in their backyard or even in their lounge room” said Woodbridge.
Following the virtual appearance by Woodbridge, students from each school were given the opportunity to test out their skills with a special ANZ Tennis Hot Shots hitting opportunity. Local club coaches joined the students on court, aiming to create ongoing and accessible pathways for continued participation.
By December, 170,000 racquets will have been delivered to schools across Australia since 2015, thanks to ANZ.
With published reports continuing to discuss declining levels of activity in children, the free racquets will help get kids moving at school, home and in the community.
“Our partnership with ANZ will give another 3,000 kids across WA the opportunity to get active and lead a healthy lifestyle and we’re thrilled to be bringing the ANZ Tennis Hot Shots Racquet Roadshow to the South West,” commented Tennis West CEO Michael Roberts.
“Tennis Australia’s partnership with ANZ has helped us to put more racquets in children’s hands than ever before. There are so many skills that kids can develop at a young age by playing tennis, regardless of whether that’s on the court, in their backyard or even in their lounge room,” Mr Roberts said.
“We’re really proud of our continued support of tennis at a grassroots level, encouraging Australians to get active and look after their wellbeing,” said Katherine Bray, Managing Director Retail at ANZ.
“Over the past five years this partnership with Tennis Australia has delivered racquets to thousands of communities across the country, helping young kids to get involved in community sports like tennis” she added.
ANZ Tennis Hot Shots Racquet Roadshow fast facts
- The ANZ Tennis Hot Shots Racquet Roadshow will deliver brand new tennis racquets to first year primary school age children across all states and territories in Australia for the fourth consecutive year
- By the end of 2020, a total of 170,000 racquets will have been delivered to children since 2015, thanks to ANZ
- Tennis Australia’s School Partnership Program aims to give children the opportunity to pick up a racquet and play tennis as part of their health and physical education curriculum
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