AusLeisure

A program to help young Indigenous tennis players chase their sporting dreams has been launched in Cairns.

The Big Serve is a national pilot program facilitated by Cairns Regional Council and developed in partnership with Tennis Queensland and Tennis NT.

To be run through local schools, tennis clubs and the Bentley Park Clontarf Academy, the program will culminate with a tournament to be held during NAIDOC Week in the July school holidays.

Introducing the program, Cairns Mayor Bob Manning advised “this is a program to develop an elite stream for Indigenous kids already showing interest in the sport of tennis.”

The program and resulting NAIDOC Week tournament will provide a path for up to eight local players to participate in the first National Indigenous Tennis Carnival, to be held in Darwin in September.

Mayor Manning said there were many benefits to be gained from the program, adding “it takes a great deal of dedication and commitment needed to reach an elite level in any sport.

“This dedication can roll across into all parts of life, including education and the work place.

“Sports can help build self-belief and mental strength and this can be an empowering tool for all participants.”

Participants in The Big Serve will also be given the opportunity to earn a trip to Darwin by maintaining school attendance, having a positive attitude, showing their leadership skills and commitment to the program.

The program will be led by Indigenous Far North tennis star and accredited coach Keiryn Lenoy, who is a previous scholarship recipient through the Evonne Goolagong Foundation.

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