The Oceania Tennis Federation (OTF), in partnership with Tennis Australia and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), continue to make groundbreaking advancements in fostering gender equality and inclusivity in tennis across the Pacific. The latest initiative, a series of workshops and training programs held in the Marshall Islands, exemplifies the commitment to empowering women and girls in the region through governance, safeguarding, and coaching.
Leadership in Governance and Safeguarding
Lusiana Vakere, OTF’s Administration – Projects and Safeguarding Officer, facilitated governance-focused workshops that engaged key stakeholders from the Marshall Islands Tennis Federation. Vakere sat down with MITF President Randell Sylvester, Secretary Charlie Donato, Development Coach Francis Heine, Women’s Development Officer Neilani Ackley, and other federation coaches and members to discuss critical topics such as governance structures and safeguarding practices within the sport.
A key aspect of these workshops was the introduction of Tournament Software training, aimed at modernizing operations within the federation. Three members, Charlie Donato, Coach Tanley Jotai, and Coach Maynard, successfully completed the training. This technological transition from manual systems to digital platforms is expected to significantly enhance the operational capacity of tennis stakeholders in the Marshall Islands.
Promoting Women’s Community Coaching
Meanwhile, ITF Level 1 Coaching Expert Sereima Lalavanua facilitated three Women’s Community Coaching Programs, collectively reaching 12 women. These programs are tailored to provide foundational coaching skills and inspire more women to take active roles in tennis development.
Additionally, Lalavanua conducted a comprehensive five-day Play & Stay Coaching Course for MITF coaches, equipping them with advanced methodologies to foster player retention and growth. Participants included Neilani Ackley, Coach Itibwerere (Beeto) Amita, Coach Tanley Jotai, and Wise Josefa Namosimalua, a PE teacher at Marshall Islands Cooperation School and Athletics Coach. This hands-on training will empower local women coaches to create sustainable tennis programs in their communities.
Long-Term Impact on Tennis Development
This multi-faceted approach, blending governance, safeguarding, and coaching initiatives, underscores the collaborative effort’s holistic strategy to drive meaningful change. By engaging a diverse range of participants; from federation executives to community coaches and volunteers; the workshops and training programs are designed to ensure that the impact extends beyond the immediate participants and permeates the broader tennis community in the Marshall Islands.
The adoption of Tournament Software marks a significant milestone in the federation’s journey towards digitization. This advancement not only streamlines operations but also sets the stage for more efficient tournament management, record-keeping, and player development tracking.
Proven Success in Gender Equality and Inclusivity
The initiative in the Marshall Islands is part of a broader mission by OTF, Tennis Australia, and DFAT to increase women’s and girls’ participation in tennis across the Pacific. Over the years, their efforts have yielded tangible results, with participation rates among women and girls steadily rising. These initiatives have also contributed to a cultural shift within the sport, fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment.
As Lusiana Vakere and Sereima Lalavanua conclude their impactful mission in the Marshall Islands, the seeds of progress they have planted are expected to flourish, contributing to the sustained growth of tennis in the region. The collaboration between OTF, Tennis Australia, and DFAT serves as a model for how targeted, inclusive programs can drive transformational change in sports development.
The ongoing commitment to gender equality and inclusivity in Pacific tennis is a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared vision of these organizations to create a more equitable future for all.
