The annual tournament will be held between 20-27 October at the Playford Tennis Centre, drawing top-tier tennis players from around the globe to compete in both men’s and women’s competitions. The tournament is part of the ITF World Tennis Tour and provides players a critical opportunity to gain ranking points and recognition in the international tennis scene.
Year 12 student Letisha said she is excited to share both her art and culture with the 2024 winner of the women’s singles.
“The design on the trophy represents the land and the water, with a snake weaving through to create a line between them,” Letisha said. “The grey symbolises the gap that hasn’t yet been closed between the worlds.
“I just love creating art and am hoping to start my own business. I’ll paint any surface I can get my hands on, including cardboard, canvases, and coasters.”
Year 7 student Keanu, who handcrafted the trophy that will be awarded to the winner of the men’s singles, said it would be amazing to have something he created proudly displayed in someone’s home.
“I was inspired by the art I have seen on many other didgeridoos and wanted to see how it would look on a smaller design,” said Keanu. “My family comes from the Tiwi Islands, and I have learnt how to paint with ochre from my grandpa.”
City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty applauded Playford International College for participating in COPTI for its sixth straight year.
“It’s an incredible opportunity for Playford’s young aspiring First Nation’s artists to share both their heritage and artistic talents with the international tennis community,” said Mayor Docherty.
“Council is grateful for the time and effort these students have put into making such beautifully handmade trophies.”
Keanu and Letisha’s trophies will also be displayed as part of Tennis SA’s trophy exhibition at the Playford Tennis Centre, which will be open to the public from 20 to 27 October.
Tennis SA CEO Debbie Sterrey said it was a great opportunity for the Playford International College students to showcase their talents and have their art displayed alongside trophies designed by artists for the Adelaide International.
“The creativity and talent demonstrated by the students from Playford International College is inspiring,” Tennis SA CEO Debbie Sterrey says.
“To have their work showcased alongside the prestigious Adelaide International trophies is a testament to the unique connection between art and sport.”
“The Adelaide International Trophy Tour is not only a way to celebrate tennis, but also to shine a spotlight on the incredible community engagement we see in regional and metropolitan areas through events like the City of Playford Tennis International. It’s an exciting time for tennis in South Australia” Sterrey concludes.
The trophies are to be presented to the male and female champions at this year’s finals of the City of Playford Tennis International on Sunday, 27 October 2024.
