Hamilton Hosts Maori Tennis Champs

PANUI PAPAHO / MEDIA STATEMENT

Te 5 o nga ra o Hakihea 2003

KI A:

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HAMILTON HOSTS MAORI TENNIS CHAMPS

One of the oldest family fixtures on the Maori sporting calendar will attract some of the country's best tennis players to the Waikato at the end of this month (Dec).

The 77th Aotearoa Maori Tennis Championships will be held at the Waikato Tennis Centre in Dey Street, Hamilton, from December 27 to 30.

The tournament caters for a range of age groups including under-10, under-12, under-14, under-16, under-18 and seniors as well as a social grade and veterans' events.

A mokopuna or beginners section is named after the tournament's patron, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu.

Aotearoa Maori Tennis president Richard (Dick) Garratt says a host of promising junior players will compete in the annual event.

"This is an opportunity for them to see and mix with some of New Zealand's leading tennis players headed by Kiwi number one, Shelley Stephens," Mr Garratt says.

"There will also be some surprise junior training packages announced at the tournament."

ENDS

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