ORGANISERS of the Hervey Bay Open Tennis Series are hoping the recent successes of Ash Barty and ‘Special K’ at the Australian Open will help attract a large contingent of players and spectators to this year’s event.
The Hervey Bay and District Tennis Association will host a round of the Australian Ranking Points Tournament in March.
The association has been able to stage Australian Ranking Points Tournaments for the past three years thanks to a sponsorship with the Fraser Coast Regional Council.
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Mayor George Seymour said the Ash Barty and Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis wins on home soil have sparked renewed interest in the sport.
The sponsorship deal is part of a Council focus on bringing events, athletes and artists to the region.
“We want to provide opportunities for locals to be involved in the sporting and cultural activities that people in capital cities take for granted” Cr Seymour said.
“Seeing people perform at the elite level provides inspiration to others.
“The events also contribute to the cultural, social and economic development of our region.”
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Under the sponsorship deal, Council provided $2,000 in cash and $1,000 in in-kind support to the tennis association to stage three tournaments a year (Open, Seniors and Junior) for three years (2020, 21 and 22).
“These events have attracted players, family and supporters from across the State to the Fraser Coast,” Cr Seymour said.
“As a result, the region benefits from the increase in visitors who support our accommodation facilities, cafes and restaurants and other businesses. The region also benefits from the exposure to a wider audience.”
Being able to stage events, especially national ranking events, is fantastic, Association President Geoff Arnell said.
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“The events will bring elite players of all ages to the region to compete,” he said.
Entries are open now for the 2022 Hervey Bay Open Series with the tennis tournament running from 18 – 20 March 2022 at the Hervey Bay Tennis Club in Torquay.
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