Congratulations are in order for 2016 Australian Open Interstate Ballkid Visitor Program South Australian representatives, Rebeka Schaefer and Bailey McCarthy.<\/p>\n
Rebeka and Bailey were selected to represent South Australia following their outstanding participation in the 2015 World Tennis Challenge, earning them the opportunity to spend three weeks at the Australian Open held in January.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy experience in Melbourne was one of a kind \u2013 I made such great friends that I\u2019ll keep for a lifetime. Being surrounded by such a positive group of people all the time for 24 days has brought me close to so many people from all across the world! Getting the opportunity to be on Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena are experiences I don\u2019t think I\u2019ll ever forget,\u201d Schaefer said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a truly unforgettable experience, forged by weeks of laughter, friendship and countless memories. Having the opportunity to meet so many people from many different places, and to conceive such strong friendships was absolutely amazing,\u201d McCarthy added.<\/p>\n
\u201cRebeka and Bailey have both proven to be outstanding representatives for our state. Both have been enthusiastic leaders of our state ballkid squads over the past two years and their hard work made them truly deserving of this fantastic experience,\u201d said Breanna Hassam, Manager of the World Tennis Challenge Ballkid Program.<\/p>\n
Rebeka and Bailey were joined in Melbourne by fellow South Australians, Hartley Nobes and Nicole Kascak.<\/p>\n
Rebeka and Bailey are now set to pass the baton on to Kane Fountas and Caitlin Nancarrow, who have been selected to represent the state in 2017.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are, of course, very excited to announce that Kane and Caitlin will be representing South Australia at the Australian Open in 2017. Both Kane and Caitlin displayed an outstanding attitude during the World Tennis Challenge and are very worthy recipients of this opportunity,\u201d said Hassam.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe chance to represent South Australia at the Australian Open is the opportunity of a lifetime for Kane and Caitlin, and we wish them all the very best of luck,\u201d Hassam added.<\/p>\n
The official Interstate Ballkid Visitor Program representatives will attend intensive on court training sessions, an official Australian Open induction and orientation days during 2016.<\/p>\n