Australian Championships 2010

Teams Week

Robyn Castle, 19-Jan-2010

A total of 126 teams participated in the annual Australian Seniors Teams Championships held on the delightful Queensland Gold Coast under blue skies and glorious sunshine. As well as the teams from the various Australian States and Territories, there were 10 teams from New Zealand and one from Japan. 

 

Chief Organiser: Gail Bates	For the first time ever, the competition was organised over six days in order to cater for the expected number of teams participating and the number of courts available. Chief organiser Gail Bates (under adverse conditions), together with the Queensland host committee and Steve Longworth put together a wonderful event that ran very smoothly.
Dennis Collette awarding the Teams Trophy to NSW President Enid Besant-Ryan	Congratulations to New South Wales for winning the State Teams Trophy for the second year in a row (winning 57.53% of their sets) with Queensland a close second (55.25% of sets won). With the 2011 Championships destined for Newcastle, New South Wales will be looking to defend the title on home soil.
Robyn "Bling" Castle seen dancing to the sounds of Route 66	All state representatives seemed to have a great time at the Presentation Dinner, hosted at the Southport Sharks’ Club, which was a slightly different format this year. There was more time for dancing, as the medals for winners had all been presented after the last matches were completed. They were displayed in a slide show on the huge screens in the auditorium, which was packed! Trendy band, “Route 66” provided sensational music and the dance floor was always fully occupied! Well done, Queensland, on an innovative idea, which seems to have proved a popular move.
Paul Kleverlaan accepting the Player of the Year trophy on behalf of the late Ward Hillier   Kerry Ballard: joint winner of Player of the Year for 2009	Presentations to the Australian “Player of the Year” and the “Administrator of the Year” followed the Teams’ Trophy presentation, and it was both happy and sad to learn that Ward Hillier (VIC) was a co-winner with Kerry Ballard (NSW). Both players had contributed to their team’s Cup win, and both had won their age Singles event at the World Individuals in Perth.   Paul Kleverlaan received Ward’s prize on his behalf and made a touching acceptance speech. Paul conveyed Ward’s wife Nancy’s appreciation to all those who had supported her in her sad loss, and confirmed how much the Seniors and Super Seniors, especially in Victoria, will be the poorer without Ward’s encouragement and inspiration. Kerry Ballard was elated and thrilled to receive her award, and after acknowledging the State Presidents who voted for her, she thanked her husband Ian for being her “Coach, Manager and Personal Trainer” – in what had been quite an eventful year. It started with a win in Adelaide, in the 60WS, and soon after, she had urgent treatment to manage the life-threatening circulation problems caused by a blocked artery. She recovered remarkably, and in a few short months was able to perform extremely well in all the World Super Senior events in Perth.
Max Purdy: Administrator of the Year for 2009	“Administrator of the Year” was won by Max Purdy (WA), who orchestrated a most successful World Championships in Perth. Max was the driving force in running the World Teams’ and Individual Championships at Robertson Park, Perth in November. A fantastic job, Max! One which was also acknowledged by the ITF, a superb effort.

We hope to see you all again next year in Newcastle (January 9th)!