ITI Supports Tere-Apisah Tennis Academy Participation in Australian Tour

The Tere-Apisah Tennis Academy has received timely support from the International Training Institute (ITI) in preparation to embark on its first-ever Australian Tennis Tour in January next year. 

This initiative is part of ITI’s commitment to community engagement through sports sponsorship, including the Tere-Apisah Academy, Junior Tennis Competition, Village Volleyball Tournament, and Port Moresby Cricket Association, among others. 

Three emerging players from the Tere-Apisah Tennis Academy will make their maiden trip to Australia to participate in Victoria’s Wodonga Cross-Court Championships. 

It is a well-established event that exposes young athletes to a higher level of competition and provides invaluable match experience against the Australian junior tennis players. 

A small presentation was held on Wednesday, 26th November 2025, at ITI’s Badili campus in Port Moresby, announcing the backing of the Tere-Apisah Tennis Academy in the upcoming tour in Down Under. 

ITI Chairman and Co-founder, Dr. Senthil Kumaran Sentheyval, announced a sponsorship of K6,380 to the academy and described it as part of the institution’s ongoing support in the sport of tennis.

“The Tere-Apisah Tennis Academy approached us (ITI) to sponsor them for the Australian Tennis Tour, so we are happy to support the academy to meet some of their expenses,” Mr. Sentheyval said.

“We also sponsored the Junior Tennis competition worth K15,000 this year, including other tennis programs in the city. We are pleased to support the academy’s Australian Tennis Tour, and we will support more in the future.”

The Tere-Apisah Tennis Academy Head Coach and Director, Abigail Tere-Apisah, expressed her gratitude to ITI’s continued support in tennis, especially in the upcoming tournament in Victoria, Australia. 

“ITI’s sponsorship plays a critical role in ensuring that talented players are not left behind due to financial barriers,” Mrs. Tere-Apisah stated. 

“The support we received from ITI will go directly towards travel expenses, accommodation, meals, entry fees, and team logistics. It removes a burden from families by allowing the players to focus on representing our academy and country with pride. 

“ITI’s sponsorship not only helps send the athletes overseas, but it also invests in the growth of tennis in PNG, giving young players exposure, confidence, and opportunities they would not otherwise have access to.

“The Tere-Apisah Tennis Academy is deeply grateful for ITI’s commitment to youth development, education and sports. Your support is helping us to build the generation of PNG tennis players and strengthening pathways that will benefit many more in the years to come. 

“We sincerely thank ITI for believing in our vision and for standing with us as we take this important step forward for our academy and for tennis in PNG.”

Besides competing in the tournament, the team will have an opportunity to witness a two-day live-action event at the Australian Open, which is an eye-opener and a lifetime experience for the rising tennis stars.

“For many of our players, this will be their first time to see professional tennis at the highest level, an experience that is incredibly inspiring and often life changing for young athletes working to build their dreams,” Tere-Apisah said.

Despite the trio’s first overseas trip, they remain confident about performing to the best of their abilities and representing the Tere-Apisah Tennis Academy, including their respective families, and PNG with pride on foreign soil.