The Howick Tennis Club came together on March 10 to run a highly successful tournament and raise funds for a Hawke’s Bay tennis club after Cyclone Gabrielle ravaged its facilities.
The Waipawa Lawn Tennis Club’s courts and facilities were severely damaged during last month’s extreme weather conditions of Cyclone Gabrielle in Hawke’s Bay.
In total, $3330 was raised to help aid the club.
Howick Tennis Club manager Kashmira Umrigar says, “Each club, while separated by distance, is a gem in their community and a place where love of the game, camaraderie and friendship come together.”
The Waipawa club was formed in 1885, making it one of the oldest in New Zealand and just slightly older than the Howick Tennis Club which is approaching its 125th anniversary.
Players from Howick, Koru and Pakuranga Clubs took to the courts on March 10 for the tournament.
The tournament was taken out by Howick’s Tom Gooddy, with runners-up being Ethan Ning and Di Butler.
“Tennis is a game played at all ages at the Howick Club and the younger, older members, families and ‘friendly rivals’ all enjoyed the evening of fun and tennis,” says Umrigar.
The event was supported by Tennis NZ, who provided a $400 racquet for auction, won by Jim Beban from the Koru Tennis Club.
Tennis clothing signed by world number 12 British tennis professional and former Macleans College student, Cameron Norrie was also sold at auction.
Raffles with items donated by Howick Tennis Club members contributed to the funds raised.
“The night was about capturing the spirit of the game and combining it with fellowship and support for all those who play it, not just locally, but right around the country,” says Umrigar.
Generous donations from local tennis supporters further swelled the amount that will be given directly to the Waipawa club.
