Tennis enthusiasts from Cowra and Canowindra made their mark on the grand stage of the Australian Open.

The group participated in and AO Showcase and Kids on Court events on Sunday, January 14, the opening day of the tournament.

This experience brought players of all ages onto some of the most iconic courts in Melbourne Park.

For the young Hot Shots players, the chance to play on Rod Laver Arena before the main matches was nothing short of special.

These budding athletes, many of whom who had played through programs like the Todd Woodbridge Cup, stepped onto the court.

“They knew what to do, having played similar formats before,” Helen Garrett said.

“The joy on their faces was priceless, and their parents were just as thrilled.”

Helen Garrett’s sister, Catherine O’Dea helped lead the group of Cardio Tennis participants in a dynamic showcase on 1573 Arena.

The exhibition highlighted the benefits of Cardio Tennis for overall fitness, with its blend of fun, movement, and social interaction.

Participants were inspired not only by the experience of performing at the Australian Open but also by witnessing the world’s best players in action.

“The adults were just as excited as the kids,” Helen said.

“We had a practice run beforehand to make the most of our court time, and their enthusiasm was incredible,

“They left the event motivated to improve and share their love for tennis with others.”

Helen’s application for the AO Showcase, submitted in September 2024, was met with overwhelming interest.

She was tasked with getting participants from her programs, which span Cowra, Canowindra, and surrounding areas.

The dedication from the players and their families was evident, as they committed to the trip to Melbourne.

“The support from the community was phenomenal,” Helen said.

“We had around 40 people from Cowra and surrounds at Melbourne Park on Sunday morning, all buzzing with excitement,

“Everyone had their shirts, hats, and even little giveaways—it was an incredible atmosphere.”

One standout moment came when Sam Launders was chosen to toss the coin for a match on center court, an honor broadcast live on Channel 9.

The experience left a lasting impression on all participants, reigniting their passion for tennis and inspiring others to pick up a racquet.

“The kids now want to play more often and even compete in more tournaments,” Helen said.

“For the adults, it’s about becoming better players and ambassadors for the sport.”

Helen plans to continue applying for this opportunity annually, hoping to provide more players with the chance to participate in such a prestigious event.

“It’s all about bringing joy to people’s lives,” she said.

“Whether it’s kids discovering a lifelong love for tennis or adults finding fitness and community through Cardio Tennis, this experience has been transformative,

“Tennis is such a social sport… You can chat and bond while playing, which is unique compared to other sports.”

As the Cowra and Canowindra tennis communities celebrate their success at the Australian Open, they are already looking ahead to future opportunities.

Helen Garrett is committed to fostering a love for tennis in the region and aims to ensure that more players can experience the magic of Melbourne Park.

“This event was as exciting for me as it was for everyone else,” Helen said.

“Seeing their excitement and hearing the positive feedback from the community has been so rewarding,

“I’ll definitely be applying again next year and hopefully for many years to come.”