August 3, 2022 | Tennis SA
Aspiring First Nations players will begin their tennis journey by following in the footsteps of their Indigenous tennis heroes, Grand Slam champions Ash Barty AND Evonne Goolagong Cawleywhen the third edition of National Indigenous Tennis Carnival starts in Darwin, Northern Territory next week.
A team of eight South Australians will join the largest number of participants in the event’s history as it takes place in Darwin International Tennis Centre 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.
Outside the courthouse a variety of immersive cultural experiences will take place over four days, including a community concert featuring indigenous electronic music duos Electric Fields from 17:30 Friday August 12.
Goolagong Cawley said the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival is a fantastic way to bring tennis and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures together.
“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 children and bring them together from all over the country.”
“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, ” Head of Tennis Australia. Tom 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 lead 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.
The South Australian team
Madison Ah Chee
Jamain Agius
Mia Dodd
Jayden Kemp
Keeral McKenzie
Namallari McKenzie
Sam Todd
Sophie Todd
Matthew Fitzgerald – Team Manager
Jessica Gardner – Team Manager
National Indigenous Tennis Carnival 2022 schedule
| Thursday 11 August | |
| 17.30 in the afternoon | Participants of the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival arrive 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 |
| 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 tennis finals begin |
| Sunday, August 14 | |
| 9.00 in the morning | Presentations and Closing Ceremony |
