On Sunday 4 September, Sydney Sports Management Group [SSMG], leading leisure and recreation management company partnered with Voyager Tennis, Australia’s premier tennis academy to support 40 participants to compete in the Special Olympics NSW State Tennis event.
Special Olympics is a year-round multi-sports program for people with an intellectual disability – of all capabilities – who also have access to robust competition pathways including our World Games which is hosted on a four-year cycle in summer and winter sports.
SSMG and Voyager Tennis cooperated to host the event, providing the use of the facilities and tennis venue at Cintra Park Tennis and Sports Centre, also the recruitment of volunteer ballkids, officials and general helpers.
“We rely on public support to ensure that people with an intellectual disability are not shut out. By helping us give them opportunities to play sport, together we can open the door to personal achievement, pride and inclusion for some of the marginalised and isolated members of our community.” Mary Greig, Sports Coordinator – Special Olympics NSW & ACT
“We were thrilled to be involved in such an important community event that celebrates access and inclusion in our sport. It was a super fun and meaningful experience for the coaches, management team, players, parents and everyone else who put their hand up to help out.” Emily Carding, Head of Communications & Community at Voyager Tennis.
“I’ve been involved with Special Olympics for 4 years as a tennis coach and as a committee member of the East Sydney Club since 2020. My involvement in Special Olympics is a privilege which allows me to give back to a sport that has provided me with life-long friendships, a career and respite through some challenging times in my life. Tennis is a sport that everyone can play. It allows you to have fun, be healthy, build self-esteem, demonstrate courage, and make friends.” Richard Price – Chief Executive Officer at Sydney Sports Management Group
“The competition wouldn’t have been as successful without our partnership with Voyager Tennis and SSMG. The use of the facilities, all the umpires, ball kids and general helpers all contributed to the players and families having a memorable experience. We have now set a baseline from which to build.” said Mary.
Images from the event (Photographer: Cat Holloway):
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/121mNRbbur0k4q-oqNNAgpBKMI49mY4OS?usp=sharing
Supporting information:
● The Sydney Olympics Australia is part of a global sporting community for people with an intellectual disability with over 7,000 participants, 18 sports, 45 clubs and 1,123 volunteers
● Sydney Sports Management Group manages the community asset on behalf of Canada Bay Council.
● Voyager Tennis operates tennis programs for adults, juniors and performance players at Cintra Park Tennis Centre
About Voyager
Voyager is an impact driven tennis academy with the mission of improving people’s lives through the game of tennis. At the core of the organisation are a group of lifelong tennis players who love the game and want to see it thrive at every level.
Our aim is to be the company that has the largest positive impact on Tennis in NSW by dramatically increasing participation, reinvesting income in much needed facility upgrades and developing a thriving workforce of tennis professionals. Our team will continue to play a key role in developing and supporting tennis communities at each venue.
https://www.voyagertennis.com/
About Sydney Sports Management Group
Sydney Sports Management Group (SSMG) is an established privately-owned Australian Specialist Facilities Management Company with over 30 years of experience owning and successfully managing a variety of Leisure and Recreation Centres. Sydney Sports Management Group looks ahead to forming new partnerships and continues to positively impact the health of local communities.
About The Special Olympics
Special Olympics has grown from a backyard camp into a global movement that has been transforming the lives of people with an intellectual disability for almost 50 years. The global sporting community was pioneered by the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister to US President John F Kennedy as well as Rosemary who had an intellectual disability. Today, Special Olympics supports over 5 million athletes in 177 countries. https://www.specialolympics.com.au/
For more information contact
Richard Price
0447 553 159