In a welcoming sign, Coolum Tennis will re-open its doors to the community from tomorrow whilst adhering to strict social distancing guidelines.
Ninderry MP Dan Purdie met with Coolum’s head coach Andrew Ash today to discuss the exciting development, which will see access initially limited to singles matches, and matches between members of the same family, as well as one-on-one coaching and hitting practice.
“Thanks to everyone’s diligence in adhering to the strict guidelines over the past month, its fantastic to now see some initial easing of these restrictions to allow people to get back to some of the activities they enjoy,” Mr Purdie said.
“I’ve no doubt there will be plenty of locals keen to pick up a racket and get back on the court.”
Head Coach Andrew Ash said the Club’s forced closure over the past five weeks had been difficult for many of the club’s social and competitive players.
“As a club that aims to provide an opportunity for all ages and abilities to be healthy and active, and use the sport as vehicle for what they are looking for, be that a professional player, fitness, competition or as a social outlet, or to challenge themselves, many of the people who use the facility have really missed what we provide,” Mr Ash said.
“Hopefully we can start to get back towards being able to cater for the community’s physical and mental wellbeing after what has been a difficult period for everyone.”
Mr Ash said it was lucky that the sport lends itself to social distancing.
“We can quite easily control the space we work in and numbers in the facility at any one time, so hopefully over the coming weeks we can steadily broaden what we will be able to offer the community.”
Tennis Queensland Regional Manager Cameron Whiting said Coolum Tennis would be following strict guidelines to ensure the safety of players.
“In line with the latest health advice from the Government, Tennis Queensland recommends that clubs review their capability to provide a safe environment that follows Tennis Australia’s Guidelines for Community Play stringently,” Mr Whiting said.
“Coolum Tennis have done a great job preparing their Club to provide the community with an opportunity to keep active, through the great game of tennis, in an enjoyable and safe environment.”