Redland District Special School students Seth Browne and Eloise Farrell played an official role at the Pat Rafter arena on February 1.
The two were nominated to hold the Australian and German flags at the offical draw ceremony.
As a partner school to Tennis Queensland, Redland District Special School also played Hotshots tennis on Pat Rafter Arena prior to the opening match between Australian Alex deMinaur (Australia) and Alexander Zverev (Germany).
Seth and Eloise were interviewed on court afterwards, with Eloise saying she was ‘going for Germany’, much to the crowd’s delight. A large number of students used the courts prior to the official opening ceremony.
The Davis Cup is the World Team Cup of tennis and was held at the Queensland Tennis Centre in Brisbane from February 2 to 4. It was played between Australia, lead by world No. 14 Nick Kyrgios, and Germany, lead by world No. 4 Alexander Zverev.
The tie provided a great opportunity for Tennis Queensland to showcase tennis to the general public, and in particular, showcase the inclusive nature of the sport. As such, Tennis Queensland organised a schedule of events that incorporated all abilities and backgrounds, giving players an opportunity to participate in tennis and play on one of the world’s biggest stages, Pat Rafter Arena.
During the tie at the Queensland Tennis Centre, there was a talent day held for people with an intellectual disability, come and try wheelchair tennis sessions and numerous forums and workshops to empower clubs, coaches and stakeholders.