Stokes Bay Tennis Club is set to receive $40,000 to help rebuild following the devastating bushfires that hit Kangaroo Island earlier this year, thanks to the Australian Tennis Foundation.
The Stokes Bay Tennis Club and Community Hall were partially destroyed by fire on 3 January 2020, including the hall, clubrooms and kitchen, along with the playground, tennis courts, nets and fences.
The funding from the ATF will support the rebuild of the tennis facilities, a vital and inclusive hub for the local community with up to 50 members ranging from 8-80 years of age.
“All of us here at Stokes Bay are looking forward to returning to the courts soon after what has certainly been a difficult year and we are so grateful to the Australian Tennis Foundation, Tennis Australia, and Tennis SA for their support,” said Marina Gregor from the Stokes Bay Tennis Club.
“Sport is a powerful vehicle in bringing communities together,” Australian Tennis Foundation Executive Director Vicki Reid said.
“During disaster recovery, community connectedness and social cohesion is even more vital. We hope that the rebuild of Stokes Bay Tennis Club will strengthen community spirit and bring hope for the future”
Debbie Sterrey, Tennis SA CEO said “Tennis SA visited Kangaroo Island in February and saw firsthand the destruction and devastation caused by the bushfires,”
“The positivity and resilience of the Kangaroo Island community has been truly admirable and we stand in support with the Stokes Bay Tennis Club as they embark upon the rebuild of their club.”
Work has started on the redevelopment that will see new a court surface, fencing and LED court lighting installed, with completion expected later this year.
The Australian Tennis Foundation (ATF) is Tennis Australia’s official charity.
The ATF harnesses the power of tennis to help children and young people develop resilience, make healthy life choices and feel positive about the future. At the core of each initiative the ATF aims to: Improve physical mental and social health, build self-esteem and confidence, learn respect, team work and sportsmanship, decrease the impacts of social and geographic isolation through inclusion and acceptance, and relieve socioeconomic disadvantage.
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