Tennis great helps next generation

Indigenous children from the region got a lesson in health and fitness by seven-time Grand Slam tennis singles champion Evonne Goolagong-Cawley on Friday.

The Bunbury Tennis Club hosted the lessons as a part of the Evonne Goolagong Foundation, with the former World No.1 promoting education, health, fitness and diet through the game of tennis.

In its 18th year of operation, the foundation has about 25 young men and women who have all come through the program and are now working with the foundation as it moves around the country providing role models for today’s youth.

Mrs Goolagong-Crawley said after realising her dream of winning Wimbledon, she was completing her second dream of helping indigenous youth.

“It’s about using tennis as a vehicle to promote better education and health, ” she said.

“Today was a come and try day and from there we will pick six or seven kids who really want the help to get free coaching lessons at the tennis club.

“I would like to help all of them if I had the funding, but unfortunately I can’t do that.”

The foundation has been successful in producing future stars, with six senior camp attendees having played on the pro tour.

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