Some of South Africa’s most promising young tennis players and their schools celebrated their success on the court after emerging triumphant in the nationwide finals of the BNP Paribas RCS Rising Star Tennis series, which were held in Pretoria between 4-6 November.
The programme, which expanded this year to include primary schools, high schools, and a wheelchair tennis category, began with more than 3 000 young players showcasing their talent in 30 district tournaments around the country.
A total of 55 teams ultimately progressed to the BNP Paribas RCS Rising Star Tennis National Finals, competing for top honours at Arthur Ashe Centre in Soweto and Groenkloof Club in Pretoria between Friday, 22 October and Sunday, 24 October.
In the high school division, Oranje Meisies emerged triumphant in the girls’ contest among the younger primary school players, St Peter’s Prep lifted the girls’ title.
In the first season of an exciting wheelchair tennis competition, Adelaide Tambo School dominated the tournament, winning girls’ titles.
In its second season, aside from expanding to include more players, BNP Paribas RCS Rising Star Tennis made some significant progress in its attempt to grow tennis through grassroots development.
A new phase-feeder programme was introduced, along with virtual masterclasses for players, and the participants had opportunities to interact with BNP Paribas RCS Rising Star Tennis ambassadors Kevin Anderson, Kgothatso Montjane and Kholo Montsi.
In addition, tennis activations were held in Atteridgeville, Gqeberha and Polokwane.
At the National Finals, programme ambassadors Montjane and Montsi also conducted coaching clinics to impart their skills on the nation’s future stars.
As proud sponsors of the BNP Paribas, RCS Rising Star Tennis Initiative, senior management including Kieran Fahy, Head of Territory, BNP Paribas South Africa and Regan Adams, CEO, RCS were in attendance at the Finals, and awarded trophies to the winning players.
Speaking at the event, Kieran Fahy, Head of Territory, BNP Paribas South Africa said: “The BNP Paribas RCS Rising Star Tennis Initiative has once again excelled thanks to the hard work and dedication of Tennis South Africa. This programme is catapulting grassroots tennis into the spotlight, and opening up the sport to the next generation of player, creating a new sporting legacy in the country. It’s with great pride that we are involved in this initiative in South Africa. BNP Paribas is well known as the number one partner to tennis worldwide, and our global commitment goes as far back as 1973. We look forward to continuing this commitment in South Africa. A big congratulations to all the players today.”
Regan Adams, CEO RCS, also commented: “At RCS we firmly believe that empowerment through sport is one of the most powerful forms of upliftment. Rising Star is a true testament of this mission. We are excited to continue our journey with Tennis SA in growing the Rising Star programme and to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the many talented youths, especially those in vulnerable communities, enabling their development and creating opportunities for them to compete. Ultimately, we want to see community facilities upgraded for the sport to grow across South Africa.”
Final Standings
Primary School
1.St Peter’s Prep
2.Eversdal Primary
3.C & N Primêre Meisieskool Oranje
High School:
1.Oranje Meisies
2.Curro Hillcrest
3.St Mary’s Waverly
With editing by gsport
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