Fall in love with tennis at clubs
Love might mean nothing when it comes to tennis scoring, but clubs across New Zealand are encouraging Kiwis to Love Tennis during a nationwide open weekend this September 7 and 8.
More than 120 clubs from Kaitaia to Dunedin will be taking part in Love Tennis, opening their doors from 1pm to 4pm each day for free fun, giveaways and entertainment. The event is aimed at introducing the sport of tennis to a wider audience and engaging with people of all ages.
Love Tennis national open weekend builds on the success of regional events hosted in the Lower North Island and Canterbury over recent years.
Many New Zealanders drive past their local tennis club every day, but don’t often think too much about what goes on behind the fence. Love Tennis opens the gates for everyone to come and play.
“Tennis is a game for everyone.
“Kiwis often have a racquet stored away at home and enjoy the fun of a social hit with friends. Love Tennis is all about celebrating our great game together, getting out in your local community and enjoying what your local club can offer. People of any age or skill level can pick up a racquet and have a lot of fun together,” says Tennis New Zealand’s National Love Tennis coordinator and creator, Mel Jansen.
“Kids, adults and families can make the most of this free event, meet new people and perhaps find a new passion,” Mel says.
All Love Tennis attendees across New Zealand have the chance to win one of six trips for two to the 2020 ASB Classic, enjoying the action from Tennis New Zealand’s corporate suite. HELL Pizza is supporting the initiative by providing 200 vouchers for each club to give away to event attendees as well as supporting club volunteers with free pizza.
“Our Love Tennis relationship is a great opportunity for local HELL store owners to support their communities. We’re donating over 25,000 HELL pizza vouchers to incentivise people to come along and give tennis a go, keep active and enjoy a fun, social environment,” says HELL general manager, Ben Cumming.
Clubs will be out in force in the coming weeks, promoting Love Tennis in their local communities with a range of flyers, posters and promotions.
Tennis equipment will be provided by participating clubs free and all will offer games, prizes, a barbecue and giveaways.
Hawke’s Bay participating clubs are Clive Tennis Club, Eskview Tennis Club, Greendale Tennis Club, Hastings Tennis & Squash, Club Hawke’s Bay Lawn Tennis & Squash Club, Havelock North Tennis Club and Takapau Tennis Club.