Melbourne, 28 June 2012 | tennis.com.au

The Australian Wheelchair Tennis team has completed its last training camp on Aussie soil ahead of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

The team consisting of four-time Paralympian Daniela Di Toro and dual Paralympian Ben Weekes, along with Adam Kellerman and Janel Manns assembled at Sydney Olympic Park over the weekend.

With just 64 days to go until the Paralympic Games commence, the two-day camp was an opportunity for the athletes to pick up their uniforms, attend final team information sessions and physio check-ups as well as complete a number of on-court training sessions.

Australian Wheelchair Tennis Head Coach Greg Crump said the team has worked hard to be where they are and very much looking forward to travelling to Europe.

“The team is excited about the coming months, the team has worked towards to it for the past four years.

“Janel Manns is particularly happy after being awarded a wildcard into the singles event. She was pretty excited about that. It’s her first Paralympics,” Crump said.

At the other end of the spectrum, Di Toro will be heading to her fifth games.

“Although she’s the veteran of the team, she’s not going along to make up numbers and definitely up for the challenge of another Paralympic Games and medal opportunity.

“At 37, she is still very motivated to be out there and competing,” Crump added.

“Ben also brings a lot of experience to the team. It’s his third Paralympics which is a tremendous effort and dedication for a guy who is only 27 years of age.

“For Adam Kellerman, it’s his first Paralympic games. He goes into the main event with momentum after two big wins over the world No.6 this year.

“He’s halved his rank in two since last year.”

Athletes and support staff will start to leave Australia for a number of lead-in tournaments overseas from 6 July.

“We have five tournaments coming up with competitions in Switzerland, Britain, Belgium and two in Austria.

“Our athletes should reach the pointy end of most of these competitions. They are hitting the ball pretty well so things are looking good,” Crump said.

“We will then join seven of the other sports at the Australian Paralympic Team Staging Camp in Cardiff in Wales before a final tennis training camp in Nottingham in late August.”

The London 2012 Paralympic Games commence on 29 August and finish on 9 September with the Wheelchair Tennis event beginning on 1 September.

While the games take place, future Paralympians will be back at the AIS in Canberra for a three-day Road to Rio training camp.