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The inaugural National Indigenous Tennis Carnival has today been officially launched by 14-time Grand Slam champion Evonne Goolagong-Cawley at the new Darwin International Tennis Centre.

Goolagong-Cawley joined fellow tennis legend Todd Woodbridge, Tennis NT Chief Executive Sam Gibson, Tennis NT’s Indigenous Program Manager Joe Kelly, Larrakia Nation chairman Richard Fejo and local Torres Strait Islander performers Upai Purri to introduce the exciting new event.

Set to run from 6^th to 9^th September, the annual National Indigenous Tennis Carnival will celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture by bringing together thousands of individuals and groups to champion youth, art, food and health through the delivery of tennis, music and cultural activities.

The four-day event is expected to see 180 participants from every state and territory and more than 3,000 locals and tourists attend.

The local community is invited to be part of the action on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th September when a free community concert featuring a popular Indigenous music act will be held, with food trucks, markets and workshops on offer to the general public to get involved.

Goolagong-Cawley said the National Indigenous Carnival was a fantastic way to bring tennis and Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander culture together, commenting “Tennis Australia and the states will be working with Indigenous youth all around the country to help create pathways and opportunities for these players which is exciting.

“I was the first Aboriginal to play in top level tournaments and it’s great for me to see an increase in Indigenous youth playing these days.

“This carnival will celebrate these kids and bring everyone from around the country together.”

Tennis NT’s Gibson said today’s launch was a defining moment for tennis in the Northern Territory, stating “the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival is something Tennis NT is very proud to be hosting.

“Across the country there is a multitude of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tennis programs taking place, to be adding this event to the pathway for Indigenous youth is really exciting.

“We want to ensure the carnival has a legacy, not only for tennis in the Northern Territory but for the youth participating, the locals and tourists attending and for Indigenous people.

“We hope to create an event that is remembered for what happens both on and off the court and one that promotes the sharing of culture, health and wellbeing, inclusion and diversity.”

Woodbridge believes the new carnival will help increase opportunities for Indigenous people, concluding “we hope this carnival helps provide more opportunities and access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’s to get involved in tennis.

“We expect this event will build a foundation for Indigenous communities to help identify new players, educate coaches and clubs and create new career opportunities through the sport.”

Images: Evonne Goolagong Cawley at today's launch of the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival (top, courtesy of Tennis Australia) and the new Darwin International Tennis Centre (below, courtesy of Tennis NT).

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