Tennis hit out on Australia Day

Tennis clubs across Australia will open their doors on Australia Day to drive a new wave of community participation and encourage our newest citizens to pick up a racquet and get involved in the game.
Federal Minister for Sport and Multicultural Affairs Kate Lundy has launched a $250,000 pilot program, jointly funded by the Australian Government and Tennis Australia, which aims to promote community tennis clubs on Australia Day.
As part of the celebrations next year on 26th January, suburban and regional tennis clubs will host a series of multicultural celebrations to connect with new migrants and boost participation.
Senator Lundy explained "sport is a wonderful platform for inclusion and can help build bridges of understanding and respect among Australians from all walks of life and backgrounds.
"Participating in a sporting activity or club can be critical to ensuring the successful settlement experience of new migrants in Australia.
"For many new Australians, joining a club or taking up a sport is the first opportunity they have to build new friendships and connect with their community."
Senator Lundy said tennis had a strong community and cultural presence in Australia with over 2,500 venues across the country and a long history of champions from diverse backgrounds.
The Senator added "by opening the courts on Australia Day, local tennis clubs will give all Australians from the experts to those who've never held a racquet the chance to enjoy one of our most accessible sports.
"This great new initiative will extend the reach of tennis clubs in local communities, making them a place for people to come together and play sport, build friendships and continue their friendly rivalry."
Tennis Australia Chief Executive Steve Wood, welcomed the partnership with the Gillard Government to promote tennis on Australia Day adding that the "announcement is an important milestone in Australian tennis actively growing engagement with communities and grassroots participation.
"As a teenager, I spent my weekends at the Blackburn South Tennis Club and established friendships that have lasted a lifetime.
"This new partnership with the Australian Government will encourage more Australians to get involved with their local tennis community.
"There are no barriers to tennis and we want it to lead the way in reflecting the cultural diversity of Australia in 2012.
"Whether it's at the Australian Open, at a local tennis club or in your own backyard, do something Australian on Australia Day play tennis!"

http://www.tennis.com.au/