![](https://www.tennis.com.au/wa/files/2023/05/DSC_7739-700x450.jpg)
The wheatbelt town of Narrogin played host to the inaugural Regional South Indigenous Tennis Carnival.
Over 50 students, of which many had never played tennis before from years 7-12 from nearby towns of Katanning and Wagin participated in the event.
The carnival, a pinnacle event in the Indigenous tennis pathway, emphasised the significance of acknowledging and celebrating Indigenous culture while also embracing the spirit of healthy competition.
Sport has the remarkable ability to bring people together. Through tennis, participants from all backgrounds were able to connect with each other and forge new friendships.
Tennis West Club Development Officer and Inclusion Lead Zara Cavalot was proud to continue with the success of the Indigenous carnival and embrace diversity by being welcoming, safe and inclusive for everyone.
“It was so exciting to bring one of our Indigenous Tennis Carnivals to the regional south for the first time. To have Shooting Stars and Clontarf join us to bring their skills and offerings from a First Nations perspective was awesome.”
“The students got the chance to chat with Indigenous leaders off court, make bracelets and meet new people from other towns. It was such a great vibe to have the music playing and offer a fun tennis day in the region, said Zara.”
Tennis West Club Development Officer for Regional South Scott Culpin highlighted the work Tennis West was doing to bridge the gap in sporting opportunities between the metro and regional areas.
“The Regional South Indigenous Tennis Carnival was a great opportunity for high school students living in the Great Southern and Wheatbelt regions to experience a fun and casual competition, whilst engaging in some cool Indigenous-themed off-court activities,” said Scott.
The carnival was the second of three lead-in events to be held throughout the state before the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival in August.
The final Regional Indigenous Tennis Carnival will be held in Halls Creek later this month.