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31 March 2017 | Tennis NSW

Six Australian tennis players will travel to Bolton, England to compete in the 2017 INAS World Tennis Championships starting next month from 9 to 14 April.

Tennis Australia in collaboration with INAS and Sport Inclusion Australia will send an experienced team of two females and four males to compete at the international tennis championships for para-athletes with an intellectual disability.

Australia will be looking to secure their third consecutive INAS world tennis title when world No.1 ranked male Archie Graham (Newtown, QLD) and world No.2 ranked female Kelly Wren (Engadine, NSW), Mitchell James (Burpengary, QLD), Joshua Holloway(Rockhampton, QLD), Damian Phillips (Coffs Harbour, NSW) and Carla Lenarduzzi(Camberwell, VIC) travel to England.

Australian Team Manager Jay Schuback has praised the event for the opportunities it provides in tennis.

“It’s fantastic to see players of all abilities having the opportunity to represent their country.

“The World Championships are a fantastic way to showcase the talent of Australia’s best intellectual disability tennis players and give them the chance to compete on a global scale.

“We are heading into England with confidence. The team is exactly the same as last year and we are looking to defend our title in Bolton.”

Australian team coach Alison Scott added, “Our Australian teams highly successful results, particularly over the past few years, is a direct reflection of their commitment to their training regime as well as participating in a variety of tournaments including AMT’s and Players with an Intellectually Disability events.”

Sport Inclusion Australia plays a pivotal role in ensuring everyone is given the opportunity to participate in sport.

“Australia’s success at the INAS Tennis Championships is testimony to the inclusive programs run by Tennis Australia and its state member associations.  The players are good tennis players and play competitive tennis within their states,” Robyn Smith, CEO Sport Inclusion Australia, said.

The competition will take place at Bolton Arena in Horwich, Bolton, England and will have representation from eight countries including Australia, Great Britain, USA, France,Belgium, Poland, Russia and Czech Republic.

The team will assemble for a pre-departure camp in Brisbane next week before departing for England.

Please see attached a rights free image of the Australian tennis team heading to Bolton to compete.

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INAS is a not for profit organisation that aims to promote equality in sport, and give people with intellectual disabilities a chance to compete at an international level on the Paralympic stage.

INAS supports over 130,000 athletes across the world, and relies on collaborating with member organisations such as Tennis Australia and fundraising efforts to support athletes in achieving their goals.