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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-11-08 Daily Xml
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WORLD TENNIS CHALLENGE

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (15:29): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Tourism a question about the 2012 World Tennis Challenge.

Leave granted.

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO: The 2012 World Tennis Challenge, along with the associated community event, the Be Active Challenge, has captured the hearts and minds of Australia's tennis enthusiasts since it was first held in 2009. Can the minister tell the chamber about next year's event?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women) (15:29): I am delighted and pleased to advise that next year's World Tennis Challenge will again attract some of the biggest names in the history of world tennis, including the legendary John McEnroe and crowd favourite Henri Leconte. John McEnroe's presence at the event for a third time is a real coup for the organisers, as Adelaide will be the only city in which he will be playing during his visit to Australia.

The World Tennis Challenge format is a dazzling mix of the classic and cutting edge, both in terms of players and event presentation. It is a blend of world-class tennis, fun and great entertainment that will attract growing crowds. Last year, the World Tennis Challenge attracted more than 3,500 people to South Australia, generating more than $4 million for the state, and we would hope that those numbers grow.

International broadcasting for the event is also a considerable coup for South Australia. The event is held from 10 to 13 January, just days before the 2012 Santos Tour Down Under. Visitors will see Adelaide in all its splendour, as it comes alive with the international tennis of the World Tennis Challenge and then international cricket, with Australia versus India in late January. A number of visitors to next year's World Tennis Challenge will also be taking the time to play in the Be Active Challenge, Australia's largest participation tennis event.

The 2012 Be Active Challenge aims to attract 2,500 entrants, from young to old, with a wide range of different abilities, to participate across 14 events. I was delighted to meet some of those participants last week and have a hit of tennis with them. In fact, I was soundly thrashed by a seven year old, but I gave it the best I could.

The Hon. D.W. Ridgway: Seven or 70?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: A seven year old. He was such a hot shot, I can't believe it. Tennis SA should be acknowledged for bringing us a world-class top-level tennis event while also championing local tennis clubs. South Australia has a well-earned reputation for staging great sporting and cultural festivals in great locations, and the World Tennis Challenge fits right in there as another winner. The South Australian government, through the South Australian Tourism Commission, is proud to support this event, and I congratulate Tennis SA on making it such a great success.

The event would obviously not be possible without the support and assistance of volunteers. They come out time and time again and we simply could not run the event in the way that we do without their assistance, and that is to be acknowledged and valued and I thank each and every one of them.

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