September 6, 2022 | Tennis Victoria
Celebrating the cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival (NITC) is a community event featuring cultural activities, music, workshops and two sets of tennis – one for participation and one for competition.
230 players from across the country gathered in Darwin for the 3st NITC in August. Tennis Victoria, in partnership with Anglicare Victoria and Buldau Yioohgen fielded a team of 11 juniors to represent Victoria. As part of this partnership, Tennis Victoria was able to extend the experience beyond NITC to include a cultural session with a local Larrakia elder and an immersive cultural experience at Litchfield National Park after the carnival enabling greater cultural connections, connections between the group. each other and the Elders who lead the experience.
Cultural components at the Darwin International Tennis Center included a welcome from traditional local Larrakia land owner Aunty June. Participants also learned yarn making, fire making, laughter yoga and hip-hop dancing! On the final day, all participating states and territories gathered for a cultural exchange program, which was an opportunity for each team to share a piece of culture with the other teams.
On the court, Tennis Victoria Team excelled with Victorian players Lewis Murray and Lola Grigor playing each other in the Mixed 14 & Under finals. Lewis Murray won the finals and with both players just 12 years old, we look forward to welcoming Lola and Lewis back to the team in the coming years! Liam Williams and Tahlia Wheatley represented Team Victoria in the 18 & Under competition stream, both earning points in their respective categories. The Future Stars team gave everything on the field, had fun, laughed and had a great time with their friends, but also participants from other countries.
After a few hot days and a great time on and off the court, Tennis Victoria finished 2ndn.d in the Ash Barty Cup!
If you identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander tennis player and would like to know more about upcoming events, please register your details here.
