14-year olds Norik Avetisian (West Lakes Tennis Club) and Henrique Alemao (Glenlea Tennis Club) will represent South Australia in the 2013 Australian Open Ball Kid team via the official Interstate Visitor Ballkid Program.<\/p>\n
Henrique and Norik who are currently World Tennis Challenge Ball kids will follow in the footsteps of fellow South Australian Joshua Lynott who was awarded the prestigious \u2018Best Performer\u2019 award at 2012 Australian Open.\u00a0 This included a cheque for $1,000 and a trophy which was presented to the recipients on Rod Laver Arena \u2013 including being a ball kid at the record breaking men\u2019s finals.<\/p>\n
Andrew Wilson, Community Tennis Officer who oversees the South Australian World Tennis Challenge Ball kid program said \u201cThe process to be selected as a Ball kid at World Tennis Challenge is rigorous \u2013 however those successful develop lifelong skills such as decision making, concentration and of course, an opportunity of a lifetime.\u201d<\/p>\n
The official Interstate Visitor Program squad attend intensive on court training sessions, an official Australian Open induction and orientation day.<\/p>\n
Ballkids play an integral role in ensuring that tennis tournaments run smoothly by providing on court service to players via collecting tennis balls and providing refreshments.<\/p>\n
In Adelaide, boys and girls must be aged between 12 and 17 years.<\/p>\n
The World Tennis Challenge 2013 will be from 8-10 January held at Memorial Drive.<\/p>\n
Applications are now open for World Tennis Challenge 2013. To apply you must have parent\/guardian consent.<\/p>\n