Oliver Lees
The Bacchus Marsh Lawn Tennis Club has been named as a finalist in Tennis Victoria’s community awards for its facilitation of an inclusive tournament held earlier this year.
Across two days in February the club hosted A Gay Day On The Green and welcomed 72 players from across the state, as well as one player from the United States, to have a hit.
Since joining the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance, the club has hosted the event on several occasions, with its first iteration receiving support from Moorabool council in 2022.
Club secretary Shane Jenkins said it was a fantastic event that was growing in popularity.
“We have a number of LGBTQ folks among our membership, so it’s both inwardly and externally supportive,” he said.
“It’s more than just turning up to a play, there’s a big social aspect.
“The more inclusive and well rounded we are, the better.”
The idea was spearheaded by club president Ben White with the support of Kate-lyn Perkins from Tennis Victoria.
Mr Jenkins said the club was ecstatic to receive the recognition.
“We are chuffed to be a finalist, it’s a great accolade for everyone at the club,” he said.
The winner of each award category will be announced at an event at the Kooyong Lawn tennis Club on May 23.
