SCHOOL TENNIS STARS VIE FOR STATE HONOURS

School tennis stars from across the state will converge on the Gold Coast this week for the 19-years-and-under Queensland School Sport Tennis Championships.

Education Minister, Rod Welford, said the rising young tennis stars had been selected from thousands of hopefuls to represent their region at state level.

"Competitions like this have given valuable experience to our successful tennis icons like Pat Rafter and Nicole Pratt,” Mr Welford said.

"It's a great opportunity for these young athletes to compete at a high level while meeting and sharing experiences with their peers from across the state.

“I congratulate them on their selection and wish them every success.

"I would also like to thank our dedicated teachers and school staff who have given considerable time and effort to make the championship a success."

Nearly 100 boys and girls, representing each of Queensland's twelve sporting regions, will contest the championship at three locations across the Gold Coast from Thursday 22 March to Sunday 25 March.

Courts at the Pat Cash Tennis Academy in Hope Island, the Sanctuary Cove Recreation Club and the Pro-One Academy at Runaway Bay will be in use throughout the tournament.

Twelve sporting regions will be represented at this year's championships - Metropolitan West, Metropolitan North, Metropolitan East, South West, WideBay, Capricornia, Darling Downs, Northern, North Western, Peninsula, South Coast and Sunshine Coast.

At the conclusion of the tournament the top-ranked eight boys and eight girls will be selected to represent Queensland in the School Sport Australia Tennis Championships in Canberra this May.

Media contact: Greg Milne or Marnie Stitz on 32371000