These kids are hot shots

SUNSHINE Beach State School students joined 250 peers from St Thomas More School and Noosaville State School for a modified tennis tournament last week.
Thirty-two tennis courts were created and students enjoyed the challenge of demonstrating their skills among some new friends. The day was made possible by local Health and Physical Education teachers Mick Winmill, Shane Luhrs and Cameron Porter.
Sunshine Beach Physical Education teacher Cameron Porter said the tennis games were based on the guidelines developed by the ANZ Hot Shots tennis program which is designed specifically to meet the needs of children.
“With the inclusion of smaller courts, lighter racquets and low compression balls it makes tennis fun and easy to learn,” he said.
“In addition to the skill improvement, students also benefit from such programs in terms of the child gaining a sense of achievement, self-worth and confidence. It helps their social skills and develops a sense of sportsmanship and fair play. Evidence also suggests a positive correlation between children’s physical activity participation and academic achievement.”
Tennis skills were vastly improved throughout the program.
Sunshine Beach State School student Jazmin said she wasn’t very good at hitting the ball but apart from that, she loved it.
“I loved meeting the other Saint Thomas More kids and I even got better at tennis,” she said.
Her friend Olivia, also from Sunshine Beach State School, agreed.
“I absolutely loved the tennis morning. I enjoyed making new friends and having heaps of fun. The kids at Saint Thomas More are really good at tennis,” she said.
The ANZ Hot Shots program provides some equipment free of charge to schools who register for the program. Students who gain interest and enjoyment in the school programs often proceed to join junior programs at local clubs.