Ash Barty: The NITC is “more than just the tennis” | 16 August, 2024 | All News | News and Features | News and Events

Travelling from right across the Great Southern Land, 184 young First Nations Australians gathered on Larrakia Country last week for an unforgettable tennis experience.

For its fifth anniversary, the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival (NITC) returned to the Darwin International Tennis Centre for the biggest celebration of tennis and culture in its history.

Playing a key role in creating the event each year, and growing it to what it is today, Evonne Goolagong Cawley has attended every year. But, in 2024 she had a special surprise to unveil to the kids on Day 2 of the carnival.

The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion walked onto Centre Court holding hands with good friend, long-time mentee, and proud Ngarigo woman Ash Barty – where they were welcomed with an eruption of cheers from the audience of bright-eyed players.

For Barty, the day was a special opportunity to connect and give back to a group of young people who loved every second of the experience.

“It’s just so exciting that I’ve finally been able to join them,” the former world No.1 said.

“It’s an event that’s really special, that brings people together, to be able to celebrate so much more than just the tennis.”

With participants and staff travelling from every state and territory around Australia, the NITC is, in essence, a celebration of sharing culture and connecting.

There is an annual tradition for a culture exchange on the first day of the event, which is a prelude for a week of developing stronger ties between all the groups represented.

The exchange is a beautiful ceremony where each participant speaks about where they have come from, with some teams choosing to share a piece of art to showcase the traditions of their land.