With 184 participants from every state and territory in Australia, there was much to celebrate as the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival concluded in Darwin.
Darwin, Northern Territory, 11 August 2024 | Tennis Australia
The fifth edition of the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival (NITC) has come to an end in Darwin today, with Indigenous tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Tennis NT President Steve Rossingh celebrating everyone involved.
In a special award presentation, Evonne Goolagong Cawley presented 14-year-old Jadah Dunn (ACT) with the Evonne Goolagong Cawley Medal of Excellence for her outstanding leadership on-and-off court.
“I’ve always been a team player since I was little,” Jadah said. “I’ve grown up now and I can see I have confidence, I’m really proud of where I’ve come. It was my first time at the NITC and I’m so happy I got to meet all the people here, I’m just really happy.”
The 18-and-under championship finals saw Quincy Kahn (NSW) defeat Isaac Elson (NSW) 7-5 5-7 [10-4] in the boys and Amali Zillmann (Qld) defeat Giselle Kawane (Qld) 6-0 6-1 in the girls.
In the 14-and-under competition, Lola Grigor (Vic) defeated Laylah Shawcross(Qld) 7-5 6-4 and Ryan Bolger (Qld) overcame Preston Shawcross (Qld) 4-6 6-1 [10-5].
The team from Victoria claimed the Ash Barty Cup, taking home the coveted award for the second time. Queensland finished in second place, while New South Wales finished third.
Eight participants, one from each state and territory, were announced as the winners of the supervisor voted ‘Deadly Awards.’ These award winners will receive a money-can’t-buy experience at a Summer of Tennis event in 2025.
The fifth anniversary of the event delivered a jam-packed schedule including a surprise visit from Ash Barty who joined life-long mentor Evonne Goolagong Cawley to be a part of the carnival for the first time.
DEADLY 💪🙌@ashbarty joined life-long mentor Evonne Goolagong Cawley for an incredible day at the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival in Darwin. #NITC24 pic.twitter.com/PWxy2gem1X
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) August 10, 2024
On Friday evening, participants were treated to a surprise performance by Jessica Mauboy, with J-MILLA taking to the stage on Saturday evening.
“We have had a wonderful four days at the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival, and it has been great to see the participants immerse themselves in the different activities on and…
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