Shepparton will welcome tennis players from all over the world when the 2016 Australian Tennis Seniors Championships begin in January.
The annual event is a standout fixture on the world masters tennis circuit calendar, and it’s back in Victoria for the first time since Wodonga played host in 2008. The 2015 event was held in Canberra, and Victoria took out the Teams Trophy.
Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events John Eren today inspected the Shepparton Lawn Tennis Club, where 120 teams and up to 800 players will converge from all over the world next year.
The Andrews Labor Government is providing a $10,000 Significant Sporting Events Program grant to help stage the tournament.
Seniors tennis competitions are divided into five-year age groups starting at age 35. The 2016 Australian Tennis Seniors Championships are expected to attract some of the world’s best masters players, from former professionals to casual hitters.
Events like these help showcase our state to visiting athletes, officials and supporters from interstate and beyond. They keep our businesses busy, our hotels and shopping centres full and our economy healthy – and that means a stronger region.
Tourism is Victoria’s second largest export, exceeded only by education. It generates 206,000 jobs and delivers more than $19 billion to the economy annually. Victoria’s impressive list of events are a key component of the state’s $10.9 billion regional economy, keeping visitor rates healthy and creating jobs for regional Victorians.
The Australian Tennis Seniors Championships begin on January 10.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“This is Shepparton’s chance to showcase its strengths to visitors from all over the world, keeping businesses busy and the economy strong.”
“Victoria’s proud reputation as a major events leader is built on the success of great events like these.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“Masters tennis is more popular than ever, so Shepparton is hosting one of the major tournaments on the world calendar at a perfect time.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020