Seniors tennis here ’07
Christchurch has been awarded the World Super Seniors Tennis team and individual events in November and December 2007.
Canterbury Tennis worked with the Christchurch City Council to seek the International Tennis Federation event. Christchurch’s bid was preferred ahead of those from cities in Europe, Asia and North American.
Super Seniors is for players over 60 years old. Competitions are organised in five-year age bands up to a 90-and-over group. More than 500 players are expected to take part, travelling to Christchurch from all over the world. With partners and officials included, it is expected the event will attract about 1000 visitors.
The 2007 World Super Seniors competitions will run over a fortnight, with the teams events in the first week and the individual singles and doubles competitions held in the second week. It will be based at the Scenic Circle Hotels Tennis Centre, Wilding Park, with some matches played at the Hagley Park Tennis Club.
“Veterans, or seniors tennis as it is now known, is a very important part of our sport and Canterbury Tennis is delighted to be able to host such a prestigious event here in Christchurch,” says David Blackwell, Canterbury Tennis’ executive director. “In addition to creating tennis activity in the city, such a large number of visitors will have a significant impact on our city’s economy.”
In January (2006) Canterbury Tennis will also host the Australian and New Zealand Veterans’ Championships, with around 1000 participants expected. Last year, more than 300 players took part when Canterbury Tennis hosted the World Team Cup for wheelchair tennis players.
Lesley Symington, the Christchurch City Council’s Community and Recreation Manager, commented, “the close working relationship the Council has with Canterbury sporting associations has again resulted in a high-quality international event for Christchurch to enjoy.
“We have great facilities in Christchurch and tournaments of this type are good for the city on many levels — they contribute to the Council’s support for healthy and active lifestyles, they contribute economically and they draw people who have a good time and go home saying good things about us,” she says.
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