Young Manimba from GanGan was selected as an AO Ball Kid at the 2025 National Indigenous Tennis Carnival.

Manimba embraced the opportunity along with many other kids trying out to represent the NT, during the NITC. At the event, a player from each state is selected, and our very own Manimba got the NT jersey.

Accompanied with his mum Jessica, the duo headed to the big smoke Melbourne.  Met by Tennis Australia and guided around the venue, fitted with his uniform and put through training, Manimba was rostered to his court.

Club Coach Nicky Mayer was watching the AO broadcast looking for Manimba on court.  I was so prous to watch him in action.  Head of the Youth programs Rachel Godley caught up with Manimba and his mum in Melbourne and could not believe the opportunity that Manimba had been given.  "It was just amazing and brought tears to my eyes watching him".  We could not be more proud.

When Nicky was talking to Rachel, she said, "everywhere we went, Manimba is swinging away wanting to play tennis"

GPTC and Laynhapuy Homelands Association thank Tennis Australia and Tennis NT for this amazing opportunity.