As the 2022 National Indigenous Tennis Carnival wrapped up yesterday, our group of talented WA players cherished the final day of activities and exciting tennis.
Impressing staff with their skills and attitude, Tia Bellotti (14, Geraldton) and Alifaye Gidgup (12, Bunbury) have been selected to be part of the Australian Open 2023 Ballkid Squad. An event first, eight First Nations youth including Tia and Alifaye, were selected as 2023 AO Ballkids, with all expenses covered.
The 2022 NITC was the third edition of the Carnival and Indigenous tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Larrakia Traditional Owner Aunty June, and Tennis NT President Steve Rossingh were on hand to present the champions with their trophies.
The event saw more than 230 participants from every state and territory travel to Darwin—the largest number of participants in the history of the event. As well as competing and enjoying numerous matches on court, participants also took part in a variety of cultural activities throughout the event including string making, Laughing Yoga and dance workshops, and were treated to a special performance by acclaimed music duo Electric Fields.
The WA team were supported by Tennis West staff Zara Cavalot (Club Development Officer, Diversity and Inclusion Lead) and Joel Pleydell (Tennis Development Officer) who said the event was truly a celebration of Indigenous culture through tennis and the players were able to deeply connect with one another.
“Our players showed so much spirit and skill in their matches; Joel and myself are very proud of them,” said Zara.
“The kids of the WA squad bonded quickly as a team and became friends with players from other states as well. The team spoke proudly of their mob as they presented their cultural exchange painting.”
“It was fantastic for all to meet Evonne Goolagong there and, in fact Evonne and her husband Roger remembered some of our squad from a camp after the 2019 NITC.”
“Overall, great memories and long-lasting friendships were made,” added Zara.
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