Sport
17 November, 2024
Kids make a hell of a racquet
STUDENTS from Port Douglas State School have been given new tennis racquets by Townsville-born international tennis star Lizette Cabrera.
It was part of the Hot Shots Tennis Racquet Roadshow, a Tennis Australia initiative which travels around the country to distribute racquets to primary school students.
The aim of the program is to encourage young Aussies to show an interest in tennis and inspire the next generation to develop a lifelong love for the sport.
Tennis Queensland school development manager Jennifer Johnson said her team was impressed with the reception they received from the school.
“Port Douglas were an incredibly welcoming community,” she said. “And seeing how the school and students embraced the program was inspiring. The team was especially impressed by the enthusiasm from both students and staff. Port Douglas has such a vibrant community, and it was fantastic to see the students’ excitement firsthand.”
Ms Johnson said tennis was a lifelong sport that could be played at any age and in any setting.
“It builds strength, agility, and endurance, helping you stay fit and healthy,” she said. “Tennis also teaches important life skills – like discipline, resilience, and teamwork – and can be enjoyed individually or socially, creating a sense of community. Programs like Hot Shots make it easy and fun to start, offering a supportive environment where young players can grow, learn, and have fun on the court.
“If you’re looking for a sport that can grow with you – one that you can play at any age and in any setting – then tennis is a fantastic choice. Through programs like Hot Shots, young players get the chance to develop their skills in a fun and supportive environment,” Ms Johnson added.
Tennis Queensland tennis development head Darren Stoddart said the roadshow was “a fantastic initiative, especially in regional areas like Far North Queensland”.
“We’re thrilled to see schools such as Port Douglas State School receive new racquets, as it encourages more kids in regional areas to get active and enjoy tennis in their local clubs and communities.”
Twenty-two-time Grand Slam Australian tennis champion Todd Woodbridge has handed out thousands of racquets to school kids across the country over the past ten years.
“The Hot Shots Tennis Racquet Roadshow is a project I’m excited to be involved with every single year,” he said.
“To be able to introduce so many kids, and their families, to the sport I’ve loved for my whole life is so rewarding. As is seeing the positive impact tennis can have on their lives.”
