Brendan Lines
November 29, 2019
The 2019 South Australian ANZ Tennis Hot Shots state school championships wrapped up this week at Memorial Drive’s clay courts, as Cobdogla Primary School and Prince Alfred College won respective divisions competing against schools from across the state.
210 students from 23 schools descended on to Memorial Drive on Tuesday and Wednesday to compete in respective country and city round-robin style competitions, to decide which schools would win the opportunity to an Adelaide International experience in January 2020.
The Hot Shots program, run locally by Tennis SA engages with children of all ages and abilities to play tennis through its program holding 34 district school carnivals throughout the year..
Tennis SA School Development Co-ordinator Shane Leathem says Hot Shots plays a vital part in promoting tennis at a school level.
“In carnivals around the districts we promote as many students from years three and four, we aim that we focus on participation, engagement and sportsmanship.”
The program introduces students to a modified version of tennis that includes smaller courts, racquets and coloured low compression balls designed to improve skill outcomes says Leathem.
“It just makes it a lot easier easier for kids who might struggle initially with that hand-eye coordination to be able to feel that ball and control it over the net.”
Not only does the Hot Shots program get young players on the court, it also helps schools apply for funding to buy equipment through the government’s Sporting Schools initiative.
Leathem says the program can identify talent, highlighting Tennis SA’s border aim towards grass roots support that may help to uncover the next Ash Barty or Alex di Minaur.
“Days like this really showcase what talent is out there, the program for us, is definitely focussed on that initial engagement of students as well, “ he said.
The winners from Cobdogla Primary School and Prince Alfred College will now be special guests at The Adelaide International to be held and the newly developed Memorial Drive in January 2020.
Grandprixnet.com 