TENNIS
ALL ABILITIES
STAFF WRITERS
FOURTEEN of the Latrobe Valley all-abilities group took to the courts at the Pax Hill Tennis Club during Term 1.
The children ranged from ages six to 19, and participated in a variety of games and activities that were well-run and catered to a variety of abilities. Siblings were encouraged to join in as well.
The participants learned some tennis skills while having fun, meeting new friends and learning other skills, such as taking turns, respecting others and using equipment safely.
The older players learnt to serve and can now sustain a rally, while the younger players learnt basic strokes through fun games.
Some parents were surprised at how much their child could do with the right style of coaching. Some are keen to continue with more tennis lessons.
“Pax Hill Tennis Club was really able to embrace the philosophy behind all-ability sports and the belief that every child can participate at any level,” one of the parents said.
“The coaches and helpers at Pax Hill were fantastic and we are looking forward to next year!”Pax Hill Tennis Club wished to acknowledge the Tennis Victoria ACE funding that enabled this program to go ahead.
For the second season, Zeerus Ghayan (Level 3 Autism) played tennis with the Pax Hill Tennis Club in the Latrobe Valley Tennis Association competition.
“Over the past two years, the players on his team have been very inclusive and have enjoyed playing with Zeerus. It has been a great learning curve for them and Zeerus,” Pax Hill Tennis Club Junior Coordinator, Scott Mildenhall said.
This year, his team won the Section 4 finals, and all of the players are wanting to play together again next season in a higher section.
