The sixth annual Sawatzky Cup charity tennis tournament has once again demonstrated the power of sport to bring communities together for a meaningful cause. Held at the Alexander Park Tennis Club, this year's event marked a significant milestone with the inclusion of wheelchair tennis players from WA Topspinners for the very first time.
Expanding Inclusivity and Awareness
A record field of 112 men and women participated on the grass courts, with the wheelchair tennis component adding a new dimension to the tournament's mission. Founder Norman Burns expressed his enthusiasm about this development, noting that it helped highlight the real-world impact of rare illnesses.
"To have Ryan there – and other wheelchair players – really brings home to the players just what the day is about," Burns said. "Here is a real person, from the real world, facing real issues because of a rare condition."
Honoring a Tennis Legacy
The tournament is named in memory of Perth tennis stalwart Ross Sawatzky, who passed away in early 2020 from hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare autoimmune condition. Burns believes Sawatzky would have been thrilled to see how the event has grown.
"Rossco was a tennis mate and I'm sure he would be stoked to not only see a big field from all over Perth and beyond – including some of the state's top players – competing in his name but for a great cause," Burns explained.
Supporting Rare Voices Australia
The primary beneficiary of the tournament is Rare Voices Australia, a national organization that advocates for approximately two million Australians affected by rare illnesses and diseases. The ceremonial serve that traditionally opens the event was delivered this year by wheelchair player and Rare Voices Australia ambassador Ryan Zilioli.
Burns hopes to expand the wheelchair tennis aspect in future tournaments, mentioning that Zilioli even brought specialized tennis chairs for participants to try, which proved to be quite challenging for many.
Competitive Spirit and Champions
The unique teams-based format of the Sawatzky Cup continues to distinguish it within the local tennis community. This year's champions were the IGOTUX team from Sorrento Tennis Club, consisting of Luke Rarere, Brendan Jayaprakash, Lucas Felton, and Shaun Rudman.
In the women's competition, Alexander Park's Serve Me A Double team – featuring Ceri Wagnell, Vanessa Saunders, Louise Carson, and Sheridan Currie – emerged victorious. The runner-up team, Kiss My Ace, included State Grade player Jake Dembo, 17.
"The standard of tennis on the day was incredible but more so the spirit in which it was played – which is just what Rossco would have wanted," Burns reflected.
Continuing the Fundraising Effort
The official Sawatzky Cup appeal for Rare Voices Australia will remain active until the teams are formally presented with the engraved trophy. This extended fundraising period allows for continued community support beyond the tournament day itself.
The event's success demonstrates how sporting competitions can serve as powerful platforms for raising awareness and funds for important health causes, while honoring the memory of community members like Ross Sawatzky.
