‘The Orange Tennis Challenge’ unites two founders of community sport programs advocating for mental well-being
“We’ve seen hundreds of people battling depression or anxiety...add exercise to their recovery plan, and it can be the key to turning things around. Whether it’s a gym session, cardio tennis, or just getting out for a walk or bike ride, they all boost feel-good neurotransmitters.”
RALLY4EVER and Mood Active have united their missions of mental-health awareness and love of tennis to present ‘The Orange Tennis Challenge.’ This unique Corporate Tennis Charity Event took place on the 26th April at the Wade Park Tennis Complex in Orange. Players of all skill levels came together for a day of competition and community, while fundraising for mental health programs across the Central West of New South Wales.
The day's itinerary included a 12 team round robin tournament commencing with a grand final. Team Orange came out on top as the ‘Orange Tennis Challenge’ champions! Each registered team received awards, lunch, and a beverage. Entry for spectators was free of charge with food and drinks available for purchase. All proceeds went to support RALLY4EVER and Mood Active’s mental health initiatives. The event was suitable for all ages, with activities for children in the morning led by Tennis NSW, and a pickleball demonstration in the afternoon run by Love Pickleball Orange.
Raffle prizes were drawn throughout the day as well as an online auction. Prizes included wine tasting supplied by local Orange winemaker Phillip Shaw Wines, free dance classes with Dance Theatre of Orange, Nike tennis clothing, and many more. The event was not short of star-studded appearances, including Australian actor and comedian Michael Caton, who has been a RALLYEVER ambassador since its foundation. Tennis legend Mark Woodforde was also in attendance, offering participants a chance to meet and play with the pros. After the Saturday festivities, RALLY4EVER participants enjoyed a Sunday lunch at The Rockley Pub, an establishment that is a supporter of the Orange Tennis Challenge.
Mood Active founder and board member Cameron Wilson, started the charity in 2013 to boost mental health through structured exercise programs and strive for practitioners to prescribe exercise as a remedy for mood disorders. Cameron’s passion for mental well-being is parallel to RALLY4EVER founder and CEO Louise Pleming who created RALLY4EVER after seeing the improvement of mental well-being through sport and social connection. Both charities share a passion for improving mental health through exercise and community.
“Our program is about community engagement through tennis, the mental health well-being that comes from exercise, fun and socialising.”