The National Indigenous Tennis Carnival, for aspiring young First Nations players, returns to Darwin next week.
Darwin, Australia, August 3, 2022 | tennis.com.au
Aspiring First Nations players will begin their tennis journey following in the footsteps of their Indigenous tennis heroes, Grand Slam champions Ash Barty and Evonne Goolagong Cawley, when the third edition of the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival kicks off in Darwin, Northern Territory next week.
The largest number of participants in the event’s history will gather at the Darwin International Tennis Center from 11 to 14 August 2022.
Bringing together 230 players from every state and territory, the carnival will have two streams – one for general participation and another for competition, in both the 14/u and 18/u age groups.
Off the pitch a variety of immersive cultural experiences will take place over the four days, including a community concert with Indigenous electronic music duo Electric Fields from 5.30pm on Friday 12 August.
> BUY NOW: National Indigenous Tennis Carnival Community Concert Tickets
Goolagong Cawley believes the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival is a fantastic way to bring together tennis and Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
“It’s a dream come true to be a part of this National Indigenous Tennis Carnival and to see how tennis can have such a positive impact on communities and do so much good,” Goolagong Cawley said.
“Celebrating culture, improving the health and well-being of everyone involved, and promoting education are all so important to me.
“It’s great to see children of all ages enjoying the sport I love so much – whether it’s discovering it for the first time or having the opportunity to develop and improve their skills.
“Tennis Australia and the States are working with Indigenous youth across the country to help create pathways and opportunities for these players, which is exciting.
“This carnival will celebrate these kids and bring everyone together from across the country.”
| National Indigenous Tennis Carnival 2022 schedule | |
| Thursday 11 August | |
| 5.30 in the afternoon | Welcome to the Opening Ceremony and Venue at the Darwin International Tennis Centre |
| Friday August 12 | |
| 9.30 in the morning | The National Indigenous Tennis Carnival begins and the tennis matches begin |
| 5.30 in the afternoon | Community concert with indigenous electronic music duets Electric Fields. Tickets are $15 via Eventbrite |
| Saturday, August 13 | |
| 9.00 in the morning | Tennis matches continue at the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival |
| 4.00 pm | The 14/u and 18/u finals begin |
| Sunday, August 14 | |
| 9.00 in the morning | Presentations and Closing Ceremony |
Tennis Australia boss Tom Larner is delighted the event continues to grow.
“Since the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival was introduced in 2018, it has played an integral role in our tennis participation strategy, providing opportunities for First Nations youth to pick up a racket and get involved in the sport,” Larner said.
“As well as being a vital opportunity to introduce a love of tennis and competition, the carnival is also a celebration of the rich culture of First Nations people.”
In the run-up to this year’s carnival, state-based Indigenous tennis events have been organized across the country, encouraging participation and skill development ahead of the national event in Darwin.
The Evonne Goolagong Medal of Excellence and the Ash Barty Cup will be awarded at the conclusion of the carnival.
Book online, play today: Visit play.tennis.com.au to get on the court and have some fun!
