The French Open has underlined its commitment to tennis with the announcement of increased prize money for players, including wheelchair tennis players. Competitors at Roland Garros 2016 will receive $47 million in total prize money, a 14 per cent increase of $3.7 million. The singles winners will each receive $3 million, a rise of 6.4 per cent. One competition the public may not see, or know about, is the wheelchair tennis event. The men and women’s wheelchair tennis singles winners will take home $53,955 in prize money, an increase of $10,791. The wheelchair tennis tour consists of more than 140…
Author: Kristina Prentoska
It is Seniors Week and the Illawarra community is celebrating. Exercise was the name of the game at the Community Gateway Centre in Wollongong today. The centre ran an exercise class to promote a healthy lifestyle, and a sense of community for Wollongong’s senior citizens. The class took part in cardio and strength exercises, grooving to ’50s and ’60s music in a supportive and friendly atmosphere. Suzie Smith, a participant in the exercise program, said community events are important for seniors. “You meet people who are not necessarily in your circle, and are different from you. I think sustainable type…
The University of Wollongong (UOW) has developed a Water Saving Action Plan (WSAP) to ensure it will have enough water in the future. World Water Day was established in 1993 as an opportunity to educate people about water related issues, and to inspire others to take action and make a difference. WSAP identifies a range of initiatives to be implemented over a number of years. The university said it has already put the plan into action, and has saved thousands of kilolitres of water. “All the new buildings we’ve put in have low flow taps and pressure reducing systems so that…
Frustrated with the racquet-stringing resources at tennis tournaments, Australian tennis player Rubin Statham was compelled to invent a portable stringing machine. Traditional racquet stringing machines can weigh up to 30kg, but the Pro Stringer weighs only 2kg. Tennis coach Stuart Barkley said the introduction of the new technology could affect the business of coaches who provide stringing services, but that ultimately it would benefit the players. Statham said his invention could revolutionise the stringing market.
A ball boy at the Barcelona Open is the latest in line of ball kid fails. The boy tripped and fell into a wall during the first round match between Teymuraz Gabashvili and Nicolas Almagro. The incident prompted discussion on how these cases become points of ridicule. Before the internet, if a ball kid accidents would only be noticed by those at the game. However, now, with access to memes and funny videos just a click of a button away, no one has control over what is circulated online, and what some consider funny, others consider harmful. University of Wollongong media studies academic Professor…