5/1/01
This year promised to be one of the best yet for tennis in Western Australia, Sport and Recreation Minister Norman Moore said today.
The Minister was speaking at the opening of the world-class Rebound Ace courts at the State Tennis Centre.
He said the synthetic Rebound Ace courts were another enviable addition to the State Tennis Centre - now a distinctive feature of the Burswood Peninsula.
The new Rebound Ace courts, funded by Burswood International Resort Casino, the Gaming Commission and the Burswood Park Board, would not only benefit visiting international competitors, some of whom had already taken the opportunity to practise on the world-class surface.
“They will also be available for current and future generations of young Western Australian players,” Mr Moore said.
“With its futuristic roof structure, the new facility is a landmark.
“Its open-sided, covered design gives players and spectators the benefit of indoor shade and traditional outdoor tennis - the best of both worlds.
“It symbolises the promise of a new era for tennis in Western Australia.”
Mr Moore said that with the Hopman Cup due to be followed next month by a first-round Davis Cup tie at Royal Kings Park, aspiring young WA tennis players had the opportunity to watch a star-studded line-up of inspiring role models.
“But world-class performance depends on world-class facilities,” he said.
“In this modern age of tough international competitiveness, dedication and inspiration are not enough to carry a talented young tennis player to the top.
“Tennis West, which has been based at the State Tennis Centre since 1995, is determined to make the year 2001 memorable for its 23,000 members and 180 affiliated clubs, hoping to establish tennis as one of the highest participation sports in WA.”
The Minister said the Government had an ongoing commitment to Tennis West to provide funding through Sport and Recreation Way2go.
Many tennis facilities throughout the State’s tennis clubs were also financially supported by the State Government through the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund.
Media contact:
Hartley Joynt, Minister’s office, 9321 1444
