During 2021, there will be an increased focus on participation as the ITF continues its drive to broaden opportunity, support talent and work towards achieving an ambitious target of 120 million people – another 30 million – playing the sport globally by 2030. As the the year of participation unfolds, ITFWorld and itftennis.com will circumnavigate the globe and report on what is happening throughout the various regions. In the first in a new series of articles, we catch up with Gary Purcell, Development Officer for Pacific Oceania, who provides an overview of participation in the Pacific area before indulging in a spot of island hopping.

Overview from Gary Purcell, Development Officer for Pacific Oceania

"In the Pacific Oceania region, while there is emerging talent and an increasing number of performance players, participation and boosting the game at a grassroots level remains the overriding focus. 

"The area’s geographical nature and sporting history means, in some cases, tennis is taken to communities which are unfamiliar with the game, while in other instances it is being introduced for the first time.

"Football and rugby are the most popular pastimes in the region, so there is a big satisfaction when I come across children picking up a tennis racket for the first time and enjoying the game – that’s a big buzz.

"There is one story which I always like to share. Some mini nets were set up on a patch of ground close to a housing development in Lautoka, Fiji. Initially, there were just a couple of kids hitting balls, but within minutes more and more appeared. In the blink of an eye, we had 50 or 60 with a racket in hand over five or six mini nets and that was lovely to see.

"As with anywhere in the world, there are issues and factors which can affect kids from the Pacific islands, whether that be coming from a broken home, experiencing domestic violence – whatever it may be.

"For some, getting chances through tennis is hugely significant. They may get introduced to tennis through their school, progress within the ITF Junior Tennis Initiative (JTI) and then, after some guidance and training, find themselves on a flight somewhere as part of their national team. Tennis can provide massive opportunities."

Around the islands

"The Pacific Oceania region is dominated by Australia and New Zealand, nations which I refer to as our big brothers, but I am going to guide you through a selection of other islands and provide a snapshot of the participation picture there."

Cook Islands

"With a combined population of just over 17,000, 15 islands comprise the Cook Islands with the largest and most populated being Rarotonga, which is where most tennis activity occurs.

"Malcolm Kager has been coaching in Rarotonga for more than 30 years and he oversees the entire operation there. With the help of Jason Pierre and a very supportive committee, he delivers sessions to over 800 young players in primary schools who then filter into the national programme.

"Under the stewardship of newly-elected Tennis Cook Islands president Davina Hosking-Ashford, there is some amazingly proactive work being done to promote and develop the game across seven other islands – Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, Mangaia, Mitiaro, Pukapuka and Manihiki.

"As part of this, local development officers have been taking ITF tennis equipment to these islands from Rarotonga and then distributing it to schoolteachers so they can begin coaching youngsters.

"Earlier this year, I delivered an ITF Play Tennis course for coaches in Cook Islands. Some of the participants were from the seven islands and this enabled them to return home with enhanced knowledge of delivering sessions to young players.

"To close the year, the Cook Islands Games – a mini Olympics – were held in October, at which a tennis event showcased the sport’s increasing popularity. In total, 230 players across multiple events, including men’s, women’s and junior draws, took part."

The remainder of the article can be read here. 

The winter 2020 edition of ITFWorld can be read here.