Tennis: Milestone reached for event

Janet Agnew, the tournament's namesake, competing during a past event. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Next weekend's Janet Agnew Carnival Doubles Tennis Tournament will represent more than just an opportunity for punters to dust off their tennis racquets.

Celebrating the tournament's 30th anniversary, this year's running of the event will pay tribute to Janet Agnew and the team at Tennis Northland for keeping the fixture going across three decades.

Running over two days, February 6-7, the A and B grade Men's and Ladies' Doubles will be held next Saturday, and the A and B grade Mixed Doubles on the Sunday at the Thomas Neale Family Memorial Park Tennis Centre, Winger Cres, Kamo.

The tournament runs on the first weekend of February every year, and is well known for the amazing selection of prizes on offer.

In 2015 close to 100 players competed.

Agnew's motivation and inspiration together with determination and hard work are the main reasons for the Tournament's outstanding success.

The tournament has been running since 1987, after she sustained serious head injuries in a car crash in 1986 and was told she would never play tennis again.

Fortunately the doctor's original prognosis proved pessimistic, as Agnew, with the help of family and friends, was back on the tennis court in no time.

For 20 years Janet and her partner Graham Nesbit practically organised and ran the tournament on their own.

However, after being diagnosed with depression, she was advised not to overdo things, so she now has helpers from the Tennis Northland Committee to help her out with obtaining the much valued sponsorship.

Last year there was more than $10,000 worth of goods and services donated by sponsors, many of which have been involved from the beginning in 1987.

All competitors are eligible to win a trip for two staying at the Copthorne Hotel in Paihia, a Fullers trip for two to the Hole in the Rock, and a Dolphin Watching Cruise valued at over $500.

- The entry form can be found on Tennis Northland's website: http://bit.ly/1nzxkOV