Published Tuesday, 14 October, 2008 at 02:50 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
QUEENSLAND COUNTS DOWN TO RETURN OF INTERNATIONAL TENNIS
The countdown is on. In just 81 days time, Queensland will host some of world’s top tennis players for the first time since Davis Cup matches were held in Brisbane in 1999 and 2000.
Premier Anna Bligh and Sport Minister Judy Spence attended the official launch of the inaugural Brisbane International, the latest addition to the world tennis tour.
“A new golden era of tennis in Queensland is about to be realised,” Premier Bligh said.
“From January 4 – 11 next year, the big names in tennis will christen the brand new Queensland Tennis Centre at Tennyson, an $82 million world-class facility that has put Queensland back on the international circuit.
“In the lead up to the Australian Open, Marcos Bhagdatis, Novak Djokovic and Ana Ivanovic will all hit it out on the new courts and Queensland fans will flock to see home-grown Queenslander Sam Stosur compete.
“Another Queenslander Bernard Tomic, the world number one 15-year old is also expected to play his first tour event at the Brisbane International, so fans will have no shortage of players to cheer on.”
Ms Bligh said having such elite athletes compete at Tennyson was a great inspiration to young Queenslanders.
“At a time when we’re facing tough challenges ahead, particularly the health of our future generations, inspiring young people to live a healthy and active lifestyle is vital.
“The opportunity for our young tennis players to watch their heroes compete right here in Queensland is one that I hope will encourage them to keep up their sport.”
Ms Spence said hosting the Brisbane International further cements Queensland’s growing reputation as an international sporting hub.
“As a result of this government’s on-going investment in developing world-class venues across the state, Queenslanders are no longer missing out on major sporting and entertainment events,” Ms Spence said.
“I have no doubt, Queenslanders will turn out in their thousands to soak up the atmosphere of the Brisbane International, and I look forward to seeing our new $82 Million Queensland Tennis Centre on show.
“This will also be a community facility, with courts available to tennis clubs and for social play, as well as the training and development of our elite players.
“But in January all eyes will be on to the new state-of-the-art 5,500 seat main arena and surrounding show courts, where some of the world’s best will battle for the honour of being the inaugural winner of the Brisbane International.
“I encourage Queenslanders to snap up their tickets and secure a place amongst the action.”
Media Contact: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
Minister’s Office – 3239 6218
Premier Anna Bligh and Sport Minister Judy Spence attended the official launch of the inaugural Brisbane International, the latest addition to the world tennis tour.
“A new golden era of tennis in Queensland is about to be realised,” Premier Bligh said.
“From January 4 – 11 next year, the big names in tennis will christen the brand new Queensland Tennis Centre at Tennyson, an $82 million world-class facility that has put Queensland back on the international circuit.
“In the lead up to the Australian Open, Marcos Bhagdatis, Novak Djokovic and Ana Ivanovic will all hit it out on the new courts and Queensland fans will flock to see home-grown Queenslander Sam Stosur compete.
“Another Queenslander Bernard Tomic, the world number one 15-year old is also expected to play his first tour event at the Brisbane International, so fans will have no shortage of players to cheer on.”
Ms Bligh said having such elite athletes compete at Tennyson was a great inspiration to young Queenslanders.
“At a time when we’re facing tough challenges ahead, particularly the health of our future generations, inspiring young people to live a healthy and active lifestyle is vital.
“The opportunity for our young tennis players to watch their heroes compete right here in Queensland is one that I hope will encourage them to keep up their sport.”
Ms Spence said hosting the Brisbane International further cements Queensland’s growing reputation as an international sporting hub.
“As a result of this government’s on-going investment in developing world-class venues across the state, Queenslanders are no longer missing out on major sporting and entertainment events,” Ms Spence said.
“I have no doubt, Queenslanders will turn out in their thousands to soak up the atmosphere of the Brisbane International, and I look forward to seeing our new $82 Million Queensland Tennis Centre on show.
“This will also be a community facility, with courts available to tennis clubs and for social play, as well as the training and development of our elite players.
“But in January all eyes will be on to the new state-of-the-art 5,500 seat main arena and surrounding show courts, where some of the world’s best will battle for the honour of being the inaugural winner of the Brisbane International.
“I encourage Queenslanders to snap up their tickets and secure a place amongst the action.”
Media Contact: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
Minister’s Office – 3239 6218