Tennis ACT’s community event set a high standard last year, with more than a thousand visitors through the gates in just two hours. Photos: Tennis ACT.
Mum, dad and the kids can come along to Tennis ACT’s Community Tennis Day this October to enjoy food, fun and one of Canberra’s most popular sports for free.
Open to all ages, abilities and experience levels, the upcoming community day is a chance for tennis enthusiasts and first-timers to step onto a professional court and take a swing.
Tennis ACT’s Rochelle Kahlefeldt is looking forward to welcoming locals and visitors to the Canberra Tennis Centre for another exciting opening to the season.
“No tennis experience is required, we invite everyone to simply turn up and have a great time,” the marketing, communications and partnerships manager says.
“We will have pop-up stands from local businesses doing giveaways and competitions throughout the day, including free seated massages from CBR Massage, and plenty of good food to go with tunes from a local DJ.
“A big hit last year was the display of Australian Open men’s and women’s trophies. They’ll be back in 2023 and are a great photo opportunity.”
Roaming characters, face painting and glitter tattoos are sure to entertain the young ones, alongside Hot Shots classes by Tennis World Canberra and ballkid activities. The first 200 aged 12 years or under through the gates will also receive a free tennis racquet.
“We haven’t forgotten about the adults though – we invite them to try Pop Tennis and Cardio Tennis,” Rochelle says.
“Pop Tennis is a great starter sport for beginners of all ages, an easy way for social tennis players to switch up their routine or for competitors to find new ways to win.
“Cardio Tennis is a more structured activity that hosts an upbeat fitness session with music, drills and the like.”
Rochelle says tennis provides a great boost to physical and mental health and wellbeing, no matter the player’s experience.
“Tennis is a fantastic exercise that connects people from all backgrounds.
“Last year we saw more than 37,000 people step onto the court to play across 32 clubs in the ACT and its surrounds.
“There’s certainly a competitive pathway that attracts some amazing sportspeople, but it’s also an opportunity for anyone and everyone to get out in the sunshine, socialise, and learn new skills.”
October’s family-friendly festival also marks a return for the Canberra International tennis tournament.
“Our community day is a two-fold event,” Rochelle says.
“As the largest international sports tournament hosted in Canberra, the Canberra International attracts some of the best players in the world in the lead-up to the Australian Open.”
CEO of Tennis ACT, Mark La Brooy, aims to build the role tennis plays in Canberra’s sporting community even more. But to do so, he says courts will need to be up to par.
“Parts of Canberra are missing out on tennis because of the lack of courts,” Mark says.
“We are pushing for more courts to be built. People from the age of three to 93 play community tennis… it really is a sport for life.
“The vision is for the Canberra International to become Canberra’s premier summer event, showcasing the best of the capital and the future stars of tennis.”
Tennis ACT’s Community Tennis Day will run from 10 am to 12 pm on 29 October at the Canberra Tennis Centre in Lyneham. Participation is entirely free, and visitors can grab their local club contacts on the day.
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