Schools, tournament and inclusion initiatives will be celebrated at the 2024 Australian Tennis Awards. Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 8 December 2024 | Jackson Mansell Programs and events within grassroots clubs and schools will receive recognition at the Australian Tennis Awards taking place tomorrow night. These initiatives make it possible for individuals of various ages and skill […]
Schools, tournament and inclusion initiatives will be celebrated at the 2024 Australian Tennis Awards.
Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 8 December 2024 | Jackson Mansell
Programs and events within grassroots clubs and schools will receive recognition at the Australian Tennis Awards taking place tomorrow night.
These initiatives make it possible for individuals of various ages and skill levels to take up a racquet and foster a lifelong relationship with the sport.
The finalists listed below showcase schools, events, and programs focused on making tennis a sport accessible to all.
Most Outstanding School
Holy Trinity Primary School (ACT): At Holy Trinity Primary School, students engage in lunchtime competitions set up by the institution. With heightened participation across all grades, interest in interschool events has surged, leading the school to conduct trials. The introduction of tennis into the physical education curriculum has resulted in many students enrolling in local clubs.
Nightcliff Middle School (NT): The school for years 7-9 operates the ‘Teen Team Tennis’ initiative – a pilot program for Tennis Australia, led by Tennis NT coaches. As the largest pilot group in Australia, Nightcliff Middle School provides the program as an extra-curricular activity every Thursday afternoon. It is vying to become the first school to receive this award twice.
SA School and Services for Vision Impaired (SA): With the rise of blind and low vision tennis, SA School and Services for Vision Impaired (SASSVI) has broadened its physical education offerings to include the sport in schools. The organization has also hosted blind tennis tournaments across its institutions, paving the way for students to compete at national and international levels.
| Australian Tennis Awards Honour roll Most Outstanding School |
|
| 2023 | Torrens Valley Christian School (SA) |
| 2022 | Aitken Creek Primary School (Vic) |
| 2021 | Cobdogla Primary School (SA) |
| 2020 | Not presented |
| 2019 | Elizabeth North Primary School (SA) |
| 2018 | Casuarina Street Primary School (NT) |
| 2017 | Riverton Primary School (WA) |
| 2016 | Wembley Primary School (WA) |
| 2015 | Brisbane Boys’ College (Qld) |
| 2014 | Parkes Public School (NSW) |
| 2013 | Nightcliff Primary School (NT) |
| 2012 | Maribyrnong Sports Academy (Vic) |
| 2011 | Middle Years Tennis School at Box Hill Secondary College (Vic) |
Most Outstanding Tournament
Margaret Court Cup – Albury Tennis Association (NSW): Celebrating its 20th year in January, this tournament welcomed nearly 300 participants from Australia and the Oceania region. As the premier event for the Albury Tennis Association, the Margaret Court Cup created a lively and inclusive environment, fostering connections among players from various countries.
Rye Tennis Club Annual Australia Day event (Vic): For the first time in its 45-year history, the event took place across two venues, with 221 players joining over the Australia Day long weekend. The inclusion of Dromana Tennis Club boosted participation from 133 players last year.
2024 Clarence Open (TAS): The Clarence Open, held during the Labour Day weekend, featured 135 participants. Events catered to all ages and abilities, from a Hot Shots challenge for 5-11 year olds to Fast4 doubles and open-age competitions.
Blind and Low Vision Program and Adaptive Para Standing Tennis Competition (NSW): Organized by City Community Tennis in central Sydney, these initiatives offer individuals with physical disabilities the chance to play tennis. Its proximity to public transport enhances accessibility, leading to increased weekly participation.
| Australian Tennis Awards Honour roll Most Outstanding Tournament |
|
| 2023 | 2023 Queensland Head Stage Age (Qld) |
| 2022 | Euroa Lawn Tennis Club Labour Day (Vic) |
| 2021 | Warrnambool Lawn Open (Vic) |
| 2020 | Not presented |
| 2019 | Playford Tennis International (SA), North Beach Junior Classic (WA) |
| 2018 | Canberra International (ACT), Traralgon International (Vic) |
| 2017 | Melbourne Wheelchair Tennis Open (Vic), Mildura Grand International (Vic) |
| 2016 | Canberra International (ACT), Ferntree Gully AMT (Vic) |
| 2015 | Mildura Grand International (Vic), Bendigo Junior Tour (Vic) |
| 2014 | Toowoomba International (Qld), Bendigo Classic (Vic) |
| 2013 | Toowoomba International (Qld) |
| 2012 | Bendigo International (Vic) |
| 2011 | Burnie International (TAS) |
| 2010 | Burnie International (TAS) |
Most Outstanding Inclusion Initiative
Positive Energy Enabling Abilities (Qld): This initiative, created by Glen Bowe and the Discovery Park Tennis Club on the Gold Coast, allows players with disabilities to develop both tennis skills and essential life skills within an inclusive setting.
SA Blind and Low Vision Program (SA): The program offers blind and visually impaired players the chance to engage in social tennis and a sustainable competitive pathway. In 2024, it enabled Adelaide to become the first global city to provide a structured weekly competition for vision-impaired athletes, achieving record attendance at their Tuesday night training sessions.
The winners will be announced at the Australian Tennis Awards on Monday 9 December at Palladium Ballroom.
Follow the event through Tennis Australia’s social media channels.
