TA Press Release, August 7, 2020

World No.1 Ash Barty was on hand in Cairns this week to help announce the Australian Tennis Foundation’s (ATF) commitment of $115,000 to fund Indigenous Tennis Programs in Queensland over the next three years. 

The ATF aims to harness the power of tennis to help children develop resilience and improve physical, mental and social wellbeing.

As a proud Ngarigo woman and in her role as Tennis Australia’s Indigenous Tennis Ambassador, Barty joined six young indigenous tennis players for a spectacular guided walk at Mossman Gorge in the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest last week.

Barty also visited Cairns West State School where she met 20 Young Indigenous students for a hit and question and answer session.

“This funding provides an opportunity, not just in tennis, but in education, and in experiences,” Barty said.

“I think it’s incredible to see the pathways that are now available to Indigenous youth… and the opportunities they have to develop in whatever profession they choose. It’s all about giving opportunity to indigenous youth and providing pathways through tennis to show what our sport can do for our culture.

“It’s really special to be able to give people of all ages that opportunity to grow and learn about how much sport has to offer in the way of connecting people and communities.”

The ATF’s first round of funding will go towards Indigenous programs in the Sunshine State delivered by South West Indigenous Network (SWIN) and Cairns Regional Council, with the council committing a further $15,000 to support their local program.

The funding will assist programs are designed to support young Indigenous people and help them build resilience, using tennis as a vehicle to develop important leadership and career skills.

“The Australian Tennis Foundation is excited to announce $115,000 funding towards Indigenous tennis programs in Queensland and provide more opportunities for young people,” ATF Executive Director Vicki Reid said.

“These sustainable programs and experiences will help young people build lifelong skills and contribute to creating a brighter future.

“We are so lucky to have Ash as Tennis Australia’s Indigenous Tennis Ambassador, and to have her proudly supporting these programs. She is a true inspiration to all of us, and especially our Indigenous community.”