30,000 children to get a taste of Australian Open as part of new school holiday program

More than 30,000 children will get a taste of the first grand slam tennis tournament of the year Australian Open Holiday Programs launch across the country in the lead-up to the event.

AO Holiday Programs have been designed to inspire kids of all ages through the power, profile and excitement of the Australian Open, one of the world’s biggest sporting events. In 2021 it will have the added bonus of supporting local tennis coaches and clubs, many who’ve suffered a year of disruption due to both bushfires and COVID-19.

A range of AO-themed activities and resources has been developed specifically for local coaches to use in their summer school holiday programs - taking place between 4th and 21st January 2021. As well as giving them the opportunity to improve their on-court tennis skills, kids will enjoy fun activities such as official AO Ballkid drills and experience some special behind the scenes glimpses of the AO, with messages from top players adding to the excitement. Participants will also be rewarded with exclusive player lanyards, lesson plans, certificates and giveaways.

Australian Open Tournament Director, Craig Tiley stated “it’s more important than ever before to share the excitement of the Australian Open across the country and give kids an opportunity to be a part of this fantastic event.

“The AO Holiday Programs are a terrific initiative and a great way to get kids excited about, and increase their engagement in our great sport.

“This has been a challenging year for so many of our communities who started 2020 devastated by bushfire, and were then hit hard by COVID-19. The AO Holiday Programs will not only be fun for the kids involved, but will also, in a significant way, help support those coaches whose businesses have also been adversely affected. Tennis is a sport with a tradition of bringing people together and has the power to strengthen communities and foster lifetime friendships.”

Click here to view the full list of AO Holiday Programs running this school holidays.