TENNIS is hotting up in Armidale with the McDonald’s Junior and Open Tennis Championships to be held from 19-21 October.
Now in its third year after a long hiatus the event which began more than 26 years ago by Max Schaeffer of Uphill and Schaeffer Real Estate would attract over 200 players to Armidale.
Now back in the Armidale sporting schedule organisers are expecting similar participation of all levels. Two trophies from the Original tournament have winner’s names on it like former world number one John Newcombe and Kurt Neilson of Denmark.
Last year’s tournament was heralded a huge success with great support from Armidale Sponsors attracting over 180 entries. The amount and standard of tournaments in the region is expected to increase over time as Tamworth already holds two successful events each year at Easter and in September and West Tamworth has applied for another white-ranked tournament.
Australian Ranking Points are on offer as it is a ’white points tournament’ for the Junior age groups, which will attract talented players from throughout the state.
A total of $3500 prize money is up for grabs while the 10s, 12s, 14s and 16s will receive trophies and gift vouchers.
“Interest in Tennis in Armidale is definitely on the rise with Juniors and Veterans alike,” North West Tennis Secretary Teshe Dennehy said.
“Armidale itself has many promising youngsters who are on the right path for a great career in the sport, many who each year are chosen for State and National events and have high rankings in Australia.
“The support of businesses in Armidale is invaluable to the continuation and success of the sport in the region. Without their support we would not be able to run the upcoming McDonald’s Armidale Junior and Open Tennis Tournament.”
Organisers would like to thank event sponsors, who include: McDonald’s, New England Mutual, Mitsubishi Precision Motors, Roberts and Morrow Accountants, Kidsbootz, The Wicklow Hotel, Radio Station 2AD, Sports power- Armidale and Armidale Business Centre Physiotherapy.
Organisers would particularly like to thank major sponsor McDonald’s Armidale store which has naming rights to the tournament. Because of the sponsors’ generosity the tournament is expected to be a great success with over 150 participants from across NSW.
