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The Rainbow Games Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland 2024 is proud to announce that the inaugural Games will host Aotearoa New Zealand's first GLTA-sanctioned tennis tournament at Albany Tennis Park from Saturday 6 – Monday 8 April 2024.
The ground-breaking event is set to bring together the rainbow community and allies from across the globe for a week of vibrant celebrations, sport, and lifelong memories. The multisport event will provide meaningful experiences for seasoned athletes and complete beginners alike. Diversity, equality, and unity will redefine sporting events by championing the LGBTQI+ community like never before.
GLTA
The Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA) sanctioning the tennis tournament is a testament to the Rainbow Games 2024 growing prominence and recognition of Aotearoa New Zealand as a welcoming and inclusive destination. As the largest international LGBT+ tennis organization, the GLTA's endorsement carries significant weight within the global tennis community, emphasizing the Rainbow Games' commitment to fostering an atmosphere of Manaakitanga (support), Hauora (wellbeing), Manamotuhake (self-determination) and Turangawaewae (place and belonging).
The GLTA-sanctioned tennis tournament at the Rainbow Games promises to be a spectacular showcase of skill, passion, and camaraderie. Participants from all walks of life will converge upon Aotearoa New Zealand to compete for glory in a vibrant celebration of diversity. With divisions catering to players of varying skill levels, the tournament encourages participants of all abilities to join in the spirit of friendly competition and forge lasting connections.
Furthermore, the tournament provides an invaluable opportunity to showcase New Zealand's unparalleled natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. From the stunning landscapes of the North Island to the breath-taking vistas of the South Island, participants and spectators alike will have the chance to experience the wonders of Aotearoa New Zealand while engaging in thrilling tennis matches.
Tournament Director: Liam Sweeney
Tennis players can look forward to a highly organised tennis tournament, as New Zealand-born Liam Sweeney takes on the role of Tennis Tournament Director. With several years of competing experience in badminton, tennis, and hockey, Liam also brings his expertise from running 'The Crown, London Championships,' making him the sole tournament director to defy hemispheres and work on opposite ends of the globe, proving that his game knows no boundaries!
"I am thrilled to take on the role as the Tennis Tournament Director at the inaugural Rainbow Games '24. I am so excited to connect the wonderful GLTA whanau (family) with this brand new addition to the Oceania GLTA tournament circuit, right where I grew up in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.", says Liam Sweeney.
The Rainbow Games also extends its gratitude to the GLTA, Tennis Northern and Tennis New Zealand for their support. With meticulous planning, exceptional facilities at Albany Tennis Park (6 indoor hardcourts, 3 outdoor hardcourts and 10 outdoor Astro courts) and a commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience for all participants, New Zealand is poised to set a new benchmark for GLTA-sanctioned tournaments.
Pre-Register
Alongside all 14 sports at the Rainbow Games, players can now pre-register for the GLTA tennis tournament at www.rainbowgames.co.nz/sports/tennis and be the first to hear when full registrations open.
Participants at the Rainbow Games can expect a glittering opening ceremony on Thursday 4 April 2024, before six days of multisport action, accompanied by inspirational arts and culture activations across the week. Auckland will become a vibrant hub of activity, showcasing the very best of food, drink and entertainment, particularly along Auckland’s iconic and ‘LGBTQI+centric’ Karangahape Road – recently voted one of the top 10 ‘coolest’ streets in the world last year. Spectators will also be invited to embrace the atmosphere and show their support before the week is rounded out with a closing ceremony on Monday 8 April.
Early bird offer
The early bird price for tennis is $150 NZD (including booking fees and gst) and is available from Tuesday 6 June 2023, when registrations open at 12 noon.
The package includes:
• Registration to one discipline (e.g. Women’s Singles B Grade) with options to enter more at an additional charge (maximum two disciplines)
• Ticket to the opening and closing ceremony
• Player Accreditation
• Goodie bag
• Transport discount options
• Access to the arts, culture and social hub
The early bird offer is available until 31 August 2023 or until the first 20 registrations are booked (whichever comes first). Once the early bird offer expires, the price is $180 NZD (including booking fees and gst).
GLTA players will also have the option to join a post-tournament gala dinner at Albany Tennis Park, with more details to be announced soon. Follow Rainbow Games 2024 on Facebook and Instagram. Let’s celebrate diversity, wellbeing and sport together!
Check out all FAQs or to find out more, please contact kiaora@rainbowgames.co.nz
