Evonne Goolagong Cawley, a 14-time Grand Slam champion, was the guest of honour at this year’s National Indigenous Tennis Carnival in Darwin.
14 August 2023 | Tennis Australia
Champions have been crowned at the fourth edition of the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival (NITC) in Darwin.
Wiradjuri tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley joined Tennis NT President and Kamilaroi man Steve Rossingh to present the champions with their trophies.
Celebrating the cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through tennis, the NITC was first launched in 2018 and is an annual four-day event centred around culture, community, tennis, education and wellbeing.
“I’m always so excited to come to the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival. I had such a great time connecting with all of the kids and people who have been a part of the Evonne Goolagong Foundation,” Goolagong Cawley said.
“It’s also special to present the awards at the end, because after the four days we become like family, and by being part of this event we not only play and connect through tennis, but we also learn about culture, and that makes us all stronger.”
Giselle Kawane (Cairns, Qld) and Charlie Pade (Coffs Harbour, NSW) claimed the NITC 18-and-under girls’ and boys’ titles, while Lewis Murray (Castlemaine, Vic) defended his title in the 14-and-under mixed competition.
“Playing in the finals of the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival was great. I had a wonderful match and crowd,” Kawane said.
“It’s so lovely to play on centre court and have everyone watch, especially as we are all Indigenous too, it feels more like a community and feels special. It’s so nice to see everyone here and play good tennis.”
A delighted Giselle Kawane with Evonne Goolagong Cawley after winning the 18-and-under girls’ singles final. Picture: Tennis Australia
Pade, the 18-and-under boys’ champion, described the experience as “pretty awesome”.
“It’s been a great week down here, a lot of tough matches and I’m really happy to get the win,” he said. My goals in tennis are to just keep playing, keep enjoying it, and see where it takes me … I want to get as far as I can, so will just keep training and playing hard.
“I love coming to events like this, to experience culture, it definitely keeps you more grounded, and knowing where you come from is such an important part of your life.”
Murray was thrilled to win the 14-and-under mixed…
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