The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has announced the inaugural winners of its Advantage All Reward & Recognition programme for 2022.
The ITF Advantage All strategy drives progress in tennis as an “equal advantage” sport and, since 2018, has placed high priority on Gender Equality and Inclusion. In 2022, the ITF introduced the Reward & Recognition (“R&R”) Programme, inviting all national tennis associations to submit entries highlighting what they have done in their country to promote and progress lasting change towards achieving gender balance and equal opportunity, for the chance to win a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Award.
Nineteen nations entered, showcasing the great work that is being done. It was clear from these case studies, and the stories they tell, that each country, each region, is in a different place on the journey towards equality and inclusion and are faced with a wide range of cultural challenges across the globe.
ITF president David Haggerty said: “Advantage All is a long-term project, and we salute all national tennis associations who have made even small steps to achieving an equitable gender balance both on and off the court. I have said from the outset, this is a collective obligation, not an option. We are tracking progress towards the goals we have set for the Advantage All Programme and through our sport we can see the signs that we are making differences in our sport and, through our sport, in society.”
Tennis Ireland National Coordinator for Women in Tennis said: “It is an honour for Tennis Ireland to receive Gold Award in the ITF Advantage All Reward & Recognition Programme for 2022. We hope to build on the initiatives we have in place and continue to provide inclusive environments for women to thrive. I want to extend a huge thank you to the ITF for their guidance and to Nora Stapleton and Sport Ireland, who have provided us with the support and funding to drive this work.”
The 2022 ITF Advantage All R&R Award winners are listed below. Full details of each programme can be viewed here.
GOLD AWARD – TENNIS IRELAND
Prize: Billie Jean King Cup tickets, a $3,000 monetary contribution, and an observer attendance at the 2023 ITF Conference & AGM.
SILVER AWARD – LTA (Great Britain)
Prize: Billie Jean King Cup tickets and a $1,500 monetary contribution to their gender equality programme
BRONZE AWARD – TENNIS AUSTRALIA
Prize: Billie Jean King Cup tickets and a $1,000 monetary contribution to their gender equality programme.
*The ITF Advantage All R&R Award jury is comprised of the Chair and all members of the ITF Advantage All Committee.
Photo credit: ITF
