Training institute boosts tennis in Port Moresby

Tennis in the capital is set to be revitalised, thanks to the International Training Institute (ITI) showing keen interest in developing the sport.
Partnering with the Port Moresby Racquets Club, ITI has now sponsored two tennis tournaments at the club this year, with four more slated for 2018.
The timing could not have been more perfect, with the club now offering junior tennis programmes to schools. This means juniors who take up tennis will now have regular tennis tournaments throughout the year for which they can train to compete in.
Publicity officer for the Port Moresby Racquets Club Schubert Maketu described the move by ITI to support tennis as a real boost for the sport.
“There is no doubt that PNG is blessed with talented young individuals who, given the appropriate support structures and adequate funding, can excel to be great sports people on and off the court,” Maketu said.
Maketu cited the performance of PNG and Oceania number one ranked female tennis player Abigail Tere-Apisah at the recent Australian Open Asia Pacific wildcard play-offs in Zhuhai, China, as an example of what can be achieved by PNG tennis players through commitment.
He thanked ITI for its support, and encouraged other sponsors to assist junior development of tennis and squash in the country.