August 15, 2022 | Tennis SA
The third edition of the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival concluded in Darwin on Sunday, with Indigenous tennis legend Evonne Goolagong CawleyTraditional Owner Larrakia Aunt Juneand President of NT Tennis Steve Rossing on hand to present the champions with their trophies.
The team from South Australia were rewarded with Ash Barty Cup for participation and effort. The team performed superbly on the field and were also praised for the special friendship they formed with the team from Canteen Creek, north-east of Alice Springs.
South Australia also won The stars of the future tournament and was represented in the girls 18 and under final by Keeral McKenzie who fell to eventual winner Amali Zillmann (Qld) 7-5 6-4.
Fourteen years old Madison Ah Chee from Clare, SA was selected as one of eight First Nations soccer players to be part of the 2023 Australian Open Ballkid Squad.
“I loved this week, it was my first time and I loved every moment,” said Ah Chee.
“I was really nervous. I didn’t think I would have a very big chance because there were a lot of kids there and they were really good, but it feels good to be selected.
“I haven’t been to Melbourne or the Australian Open before. I can’t wait to be there.”
Co-captain of South Australia Jayden Kemp was proud to lead his team at the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival.
“Last time I was here I was thinking more about the tour, but this time it was about meeting new people, having fun and seeing other states,” Kemp said.
“The kids from Canteen Creek, we loved them! We had a few hits with them and then they really stuck with us. It was great to hang out with them and learn their culture too, it’s quite different from ours.
“It is a great honor to have won the Ash Barty Cup. It shows that South Australia have good morals, we respect others and do everything this tournament wants to do, so it was a great honour.”
The co-captain Mia Dodd was also honored to be part of the winning South Australian team.
“It’s a real honor to win the Ash Barty Cup. We came second a few years ago in 2019, so for this year to win it, it’s something really special. “We’re not a big team, so for a small team to win it really shows how much we care about what we’re doing,” Dodd said.
“The kids from Canteen Creek were absolutely amazing. Not only did they try to get to know us, but we made a whole lot of effort to get to know them. It was a great experience.”
CEO of Tennis SA Debbie Sterrey congratulated the team on their success in Darwin.
“We are very proud of our South Australian team and their success at the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival,” Sterrey said.
“It is clear that they represented themselves and the state with an enthusiasm and positivity that was really recognized and appreciated by those present.
“The National Indigenous Tennis Carnival is a key part of the pathway for our young Indigenous tennis players and we are very happy that they have enjoyed the experience, both on and off the court, in Darwin.”
Final results of the 2022 National Indigenous Tennis Carnival
The South Australian team
Madison Ah Chee (Clare, SA)
Jamain Agius (Ingle Farm, SA)
Mia Dodd (Prospect, SA)
Jayden Kemp (Wynn Vale, SA)
Keeral McKenzie (Torrensville, SA)
Namallari McKenzie (Torrensville, SA)
Sam Todd (Tea Tree Gully, SA)
Sophie Todd (Tea Tree Gully, SA)
Matthew Fitzgerald – Team Manager
Jessica Gardner – Team Manager
Ash Barty Cup (Participation and Effort Award)
South Australia
Future Stars Tour
Winner: Team South Australia
Madison Ah Chee (Clare, SA)
Jamain Agius (Ingle Farm, SA)
Sam Todd (Tea Tree Gully, SA)
Sophie Todd (Tea Tree Gully, SA)
Girls 18 and Under Championship
[1] Amali Zillmann (Qld) def [2] Keeral McKenzie (SA) 7-5 6-4
Australian Open First Nations Ballkid
Madison Ah Chee (Clare, SA)
Additional information about NITC 2022
- More than 230 participants traveled to Darwin for the 2022 National Indigenous Tennis Carnival from every state and territory
- NT participants came from nine communities including Canteen Creek, Groote Island, Tiwi Islands, Lajamanu (WANTA), Jabiru, Arlparra, Palmerston, Alice Springs and Woolianna
- The Welcome to the Country and Smoking Ceremony was conducted by the Traditional Owner of Larrakia, Aunt June
- Participants participated in a variety of cultural activities throughout the event including making verses with Trent LeeLaughter yoga with Nadine Lee and dance workshop with Indigenous outreach projects
- Participants attended a private screening of Super Girl Sunshinebased on the life of Evonne Goolagong Cawley, at the Darwin Entertainment Centre.
- Participants and the audience were treated to a special performance by the well-known musical duo Electric Fieldssupported by Milla AND Indigenous outreach projects
