December 19, 2024 | Nadia Dimattina
The Australian Tennis Foundation (ATF) and Tennis NSW hit the road this December as part of the event Rally as Onevisiting several clubs affected by bushfires and floods.
Five years previously, fires ravaged communities along the north coast of New South Wales.
“It was devastating. The community suffered from the loss of homes, crops, livestock. It was truly tragic – the sadness was palpable in the community,” said Kempsey resident Kylie Vidler.
Five years later, communities continue their reconstruction, with local sports clubs, such as tennis clubs, playing a central role in this recovery.
This December, the Australian Tennis Foundation (ATF) and Tennis NSW launched their long-awaited event Rally as Onewith stops in five locations in New South Wales: Armidale, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey and Kendall.
Initiated in 2020 to support regions devastated by fires, Rally as One continues to promote hope, connection and joy through tennis.
“It’s great to see the community come together, bringing people of all ages and cultures together – having more community events is clearly what we need,” Vidler added.
One of the most touching moments of the tour took place in Kendall, where former Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald returned to the town’s tennis club. Fitzgerald first visited the venue in 2015 to inaugurate the new courts and renovated clubhouse, speaking with pride about the impact of tennis on the local community.
“I come from a remote area so I understand what tennis clubs can do for local communities – this is a perfect example. In fact, one of the best I’ve seen,” he said.
“This town has a population of 1,200 and they have over 500 members within this tennis club – it’s really moving to come here and see what impact it has on their local community. »
Wendy Hudson, not only the dedicated president of the Kendall Tennis Club, but also a local police officer, has witnessed first-hand the devastation of the fires and floods on her community.
“I worked through both disasters – it was tragic – but what’s rewarding is seeing everyone come together to help those in need,” she said.
“It’s a community – it’s more than just a club. Whenever there is a tragedy or disasters, we come together, help and open the club. »
“The program Rally as One was a tremendous injection of funds for this community, and one that they really need – children were able to benefit from morning programs before school, breakfasts, school sports, and had the opportunity to learn in tennis with coaches they would never have been able to afford otherwise,” Hudson said.
The tour took place over six days, with local tennis clubs organizing a variety of activities, both on and off court, including prizes, giveaways, food and drinks, among others.
“We have the opportunity to use this tour to bring people together in different places through tennis. »
“I have attended all the events – the feedback from everyone involved, from catering to entertainment, has been extremely positive – everyone feels good about tennis and is enthusiastic about it,” commented Sonia Close, Regional Tennis Manager of Tennis NSW.
For ATF Ambassador Susie Norton, the highlight of the tour was seeing the joy these events brought to the communities.
“It’s great to see the resilience of the community, to see everyone happy, with smiles on their faces – it’s so wonderful, I’m very proud that the Australian Tennis Foundation and Tennis NSW were able to facilitate these events,” she emphasized.
Our editors use AI to help them deliver fresh items from trusted sources to our users. If you find any image or content that is inappropriate, please contact us via DMCA form and we will promptly remove it. / Our editors use AI to help them offer our readers fresh articles from reliable sources. If you find an image or content inappropriate, please contact us via the DMCA form and we’ll remove it promptly.
- -
