Aiming to strengthen the confidence of tennis players of all abilities and improve accessibility to the sport, a recent trip to Mid-West WA saw tennis thrive in regional communities. Members of the Tennis West team travelled to the region to support a range of initiatives and events.
Kicking off with a Wheelchair Tennis Come and Try Day at Geraldton Tennis Club, the free event allowed players from Mid-West WA to hop on court and experience the fun and rewarding challenge of Wheelchair Tennis as well as bring awareness to the ever-growing format of the sport. Participants learnt the basics of manoeuvring the chair, before being introduced to a racquet and navigating the chair whilst hitting a ball.
Driven by tennis coach Natalie Lama, the event transpired after meeting Australian Wheelchair Tennis coach Greg Crump at his inclusive presentation in Perth last year and Natalie noticed the gap in tennis opportunities in Geraldton.
“There are so many sports available in regional WA but not so many that are inclusive,” said Natalie.
“Wheelchair basketball has been popular and I hope that Wheelchair Tennis can bring people together of all standards and abilities.”
“Everyone has the right to feel included,” she added.
Inclusion means reflecting the diversity of our local communities and providing opportunities for everyone to be included and engaged through tennis in a way that is positive and meaningful as well as providing choice for people to participate in sport in a way in which they feel comfortable.
The significance of inclusive opportunities is invaluable. For some, these experiences are an opportunity to gain independence and inclusion through sport. For others, it’s a pathway to representing Australia on a global stage.
Due to the success of the day, Geraldton Tennis Club and Dynamic Tennis Coaching are running a four-week program, offering more in depth coaching of Wheelchair Tennis commencing later this month. Natalie hopes this will lead to a more permanent Wheelchair Tennis program in Geraldton to help provide more people with the chance to play, more often.
“We want to help players feel comfortable and confident to get on court.”
The team also hit the road with Darren Patten from Murlpirrmarra Connection—a not-for-profit organisation that provides educational opportunities and programs for Indigenous youth in regional WA, along with Jarron Kretschmann (Sun City Tennis Academy) for an Indigenous Tennis and Learning Program. Visiting Mullewa and Yalgoo Primary Schools, the students were treated to engaging and fun tennis sessions.
During their time in Geraldton, the Tennis West team also led a working group meeting with some exciting times ahead for our Mid-West clubs and chatted to Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries staff to discuss club support, infrastructure and future events.
Also squeezing in a Sponsors Day at Spalding Park Tennis Club, the day saw a fantastic turn out with participants from all over City of Greater Geraldton coming to play in three divisions of round robin mixed doubles.
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