ITF

38 Winter 2020 ITF World DEVELOPMENT 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. Now to the region itself, Pacific Oceania 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. 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 year of participation unfolds, ITFWorld will circumnavigate the globe and report on what is happening throughout the various regions. In the first of a new series, 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. Below In Guam, there are around 400 ac ve tennis players Gary Purcell, Development Officer for Pacific Oceania " " CLICK FOR MAP VIEW

• Cover