Summer sport is heating up as the Mount Gambier and District Tennis Association ready to begin tomorrow night.
After the 2019-20 season was cut short due to COVID-19, some small changes have been made to this summer’s competition.
In recent years men and women have been separated in Division 1, but this weekend they will join forces.
MGDTA president Andrew Van den Hurk said the tweak in the top grade was made to create a more enjoyable vibe around the courts.
“In the last couple of years we have had them separated because some clubs didn’t have enough men or women for a team, so we thought it was the best way to get as many people playing tennis as possible,” he said.
“But this year it turns out each club is able to align the men with their women’s side.
“There were only two clubs that couldn’t, so we joined Centrals men and Uniting Church women to make a combined side.
“This will make sure we can get men and women back together team and create more of a social atmosphere.”
More smaller changes have been made to comply with COVID-19 regulations, which will slightly alter the scenery around the court.
At the end of each game players are not recommended to shake hands and can instead touch rackets or feet.
Players also must be mindful not to get too close when changing ends, while hand sanitisers and a COVID marshal must be stationed at each venue.
The biggest shake-up off the court was at board level with Van den Hurk taking over the reins from long-time president Matthew Charlton.
Charlton held the role for eight years and this will be Van den Hurk’s first season at the helm.
He said it has been a challenge adapting to the new position.
“This is my first time as tennis president and I took it on about four or five weeks ago,” he said.
“I have been very busy and there is a lot to learn.”
Four teams will fight for Division 1 honours this summer and the first serve will be at Olympic Park at 6pm when defending women’s premier Centrals/Uniting Church face Reidy Park.
Last season’s men’s victor Glencoe will also play West Gambier at the at the same venue and time, while Divisions 2 and 3 will take place around the region on Saturday afternoon.
