Tennis making inroads in NIP

The BSP Regional Tennis programme continues to be a hit among school children.
The second phase of the programme in 2011 has seen many school children and teachers actively participating.
PNG Tennis staff have travelled to Kavieng, Lihir, Kimbe, Bialla, Goroka, Madang, Kokopo, and in the last four weeks of the fourth term will visit Alotau, Mt Hagen, Mendi, Porgera and Tari.
The programme commenced on Oct 10 and will end on Nov 25.
In Kimbe 852 students from 10 schools took part while Goroka saw 277 students from five schools participate.
In Kavieng, schools that participated include : Carteret Primary, Maiom Primary, OLSH International, Eliwanera Primary, Sacred Heart Primary, KopKop Primary, Rawal Primary, Meltan Elementary and Bambi Elementary.
Six hundred and twenty-six students and 23 teachers participated. Teachers also undertook a train-the-trainer clinic.
The six-week programme enables school children to identify their potential and encourages teachers to use the sport during Physical Eduction lessons.
Kwalam Apisah of PNG Tennis said the programme had proven successful in the first few weeks as many students showed enthusiasm in learning and applying the correct and proper techniques and skills.
The students were taught the tennis grips for the serve, forehand and backhand strokes.
The students were also taught how to play the game using the proper scoring system.
“I was impressed by how the young ones played and scored points.
“It is pleasing to note that school children and teachers are embracing the game as they have a clear understanding on the game,” Apisah said.
PNG Tennis also use the opportunity to promote awareness on children leading healthy and active lifestyles through playing and having fun.