Busselton Tennis Club brings home top award

The Busselton Tennis Club has another reason to celebrate, bringing home the WA State Award for the Most Outstanding Competitive Play Event at last week’s State Tennis West Awards.

The Awards were held at Optus Stadium, and saw club president Wayne Richter and past president Peter Maccora bring home the major accolade for the club’s annual Busselton March Open Tournament.

“The Busselton March Open Tournament is an exciting annual event held over the March Labour Day long weekend,” Mr Maccora explained.

“This year we added an additional day, to four days, due to the number of players wanting to play.

The tournament has developed into one of Western Australia’s most respected regional tennis events, with the Busselton club having successfully operated the competition into its 76th consecutive year.

“The fundamental bases and premises of this tournament are to provide an environment which is inclusive, friendly, and welcoming in nature in a competitive event.”

This event first commenced in 1949 and has long proved popular with players from near and far, bringing visitors, spectators and family members to the region and contributing to the local economy.

“The club’s members and volunteers rose to the added challenges of organising and running this event, with over 35 percent of our adult membership volunteering to help during the tournament.

“This is an outstanding effort of some 80 volunteers with over 750 hours of volunteer work provided.”

The tournament draws a loyal following of participants and spectators from the region and metropolitan Perth, this year attracting 375 players and an estimated 190 people to cheer from the sidelines – a total of 565 people taking part.

“The club’s goal is to provide an opportunity for local tennis players to participate in a highly recognised tennis event held in Busselton.

“This opportunity not only provides participation in the event but encourages and supports a healthy sporting activity for all ages.”

The club said court preparation and grooming during the competition was demanding, with play beginning from 6:30am and finishing as the sun goes down.

“This meant that our court preparation and grooming team, ably led by our Green Keeper and club’s volunteers, worked late during the tournament and did an excellent job of maintaining and remarking courts and moving baselines when needed.”

The award recognised the club’s ability to continue hosting and developing the event, with ongoing challenges faced by clubs across the state.

“We are fortunate to have what is regarded as one of the best regional tennis facilities in Australia.

“A lot of other tennis clubs throughout Western Australia are struggling for support of tennis players to attend their tournament, yet our event continues to grow from strength to strength.

“This could not be achieved without the club’s members volunteering to ensure the event is a success.

“Our club is blessed by the volunteer participation we receive from our members and is testament to our success.”

To find out more about the club, visit www.busseltontennisclub.com.au