GREY COLLEGE AND ORANJE MEISIES WIN RCS RISING STAR TENNIS NATIONAL FINALS
Polokwane, South Africa, October 31, 2023 – Bringing a spectacular close to another memorable edition of the RCS Rising Stars Tennis series, Grey College and Oranje Meisies emerged triumphant in the boys and girls divisions on Sunday, at the national finals of Tennis South Africa’s premier development programme.
With schools from around SA competing for prestigious titles at the final of the fourth edition of the annual campaign, being held at Polokwane Tennis Club in Limpopo for the first time, there were some fiercely contested battles.
All nine provinces were represented in the boys and girls primary school divisions, after qualifying tournaments were held across the country, while six provinces were entered in the wheelchair tennis category.
In addition, six teams from Gauteng and host province Limpopo were handed wild card entries to compete at the season-ending national spectacle.
In the boys’ able-bodied primary school division, Grey College reclaimed the RCS Rising Star Tennis title they won in 2020 and 2021, wrapping up their third victory at the annual national finals. They finished ahead of runners-up Hammanskraal Tennis Centre, with Laerskool George-Suid taking third place.
Defending champions Oranje Meisies lifted the girls’ crown again, retaining the title they won last year, with Laerskool Monumentpark taking second place and Laerskool Mooirivier rounding off the podium.
Meanwhile, Ithembelihle School claimed victory in the boys’ wheelchair category final, with Vukuhambe School taking second place and Open Air School grabbing third spot.
In the girls’ wheelchair category, Adelaide School emerged triumphant, with Meerhof School ended second and Helen Frans School finished third.
“Congratulations to the winners and all schools that qualified for the RCS Rising Star Tennis National Final. As a nationwide series, the level of competition is very high, and progressing this far is a remarkable achievement,” said TSA president Gavin Crookes.
“We are also proud to have again ensured this series reaches young players in underprivileged areas across South Africa, as development is the key aspect of this annual campaign, ensuring the sport continues to grow at grassroots level.”
The RCS Rising Star Tennis series aims to make tennis a more inclusive sport in South Africa by providing equal opportunities to school players and empowering the youth from disadvantaged communities.
A total of 730 schools participated in this year’s campaign, with 79 new schools joining the programme, which continues to grow in popularity.
The 2023 series featured 675 primary school squads and 55 wheelchair tennis teams (all representing underprivileged schools) from around the country.
TENNIS SA MEDIA CONTACT:
Head of Communications and Stakeholder Management: Anthony Moruthane
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