North Otago Tennis is looking forward to opening its doors to the public this Sunday (October 15) for its annual Love Tennis Open Day.

North Otago Tennis president Rebecca Ryan said the committee was looking forward to welcoming the community to the Chelmer St grass courts in Ōamaru, for a day of fun, excitement and plenty of tennis action for people of all ages and skill levels.

“This event is a celebration of our love for tennis and a way to welcome everyone in Waitaki to experience the sport. Tennis is a great sport for all ages and abilities and Love Tennis is a great way to find out what we offer in North Otago,” Rebecca said.

“We’ll have music playing, free coaching and a free sausage sizzle running throughout the day. There will also be prizes and giveaways, including the chance to win a trip for two to the 2024 Australian Open in Melbourne.

“It’s a great family outing or a fun day with friends and an opportunity for people to find out about tennis and our local competitions, rediscover their love of the sport, or just have a hit before the season gets under way,” she said.

“We’re looking forward to seeing lots of our regular players and newcomers on the courts on Sunday.’’

Love Tennis is a national Tennis NZ initiative, now involving more than 150 tennis clubs across the country, aiming to get more people involved in tennis. North Otago Tennis has taken part in the initiative since 2019.

The Chelmer St grass courts will be open from 10am to 4pm and members of the public are welcome to come along at any stage for a hit with family, friends or members of the North Otago Tennis team. 

The club can also provide equipment for junior and senior players to use.

Love Tennis details: 

• Date: Sunday, October 15, 2023
• Time: 10am-4pm
• Location: North Otago Tennis Club, 39A Chelmer St, Ōamaru
• Free Tennis Coaching: Ace Tennis coach Robin Jamieson is offering free coaching sessions for various different age groups throughout the day.
• 5-8 Years: 10.15am-10.45am
• 9-11 Years: 11am-11.45am
• 11+ Years: 12pm-12.45pm

Prizes and Giveaways: Everyone who attends the Love Tennis day will have a chance to win prizes and giveaways, including vouchers, tennis equipment and Love Tennis merchandise, and go into the draw to win a trip to the 2024 Australian Open in Melbourne.

Meet the Team: Get to know the passionate members of the North Otago Tennis Committee who are dedicated to promoting the sport in the community.

North Otago Tennis has been operating since the early 1900s, and been based at the current Chelmer St location, which has 12 beautiful grass courts, since 1938. 

The club currently offers a variety of programmes and competitions in Ōamaru, Kurow, Ōmārama, Twizel and Waimate.

North Otago Tennis’ 2023/24 junior season starts next week, while the Thursday night senior interclub competition starts on October 26.

North Otago Tennis is also introducing a Social Night on Fridays, from October 27, where anyone can come along for friendly tennis matches for players of all abilities.

For more information about the Love Tennis Open Day, and other tennis programmes and competitions, visit Facebook, the North Otago Tennis website or email [email protected]