JUDY Scarrott’s life-long involvement in sports administration has been recognised by Tennis Victoria, which has named her a finalist in its prestigious annual awards.
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The 83-year-old stalwart has been selected in the volunteer achievement category and is one of three local nominations to have been short-listed for an accolade.
“It is 70 years since I started in tennis administration, so I guess longevity has some benefit to it,” laughed Scarrott, who became president of a Melbourne-based junior club at age 13.
After moving to Bendigo in 1964, she helped establish ladies’ midweek tennis here, won an A-grade pennant and regularly represented Bendigo at Country Week.
Scarrott is the Bendigo Tennis Association’s catering convenor, a past president and secretary, and has been a board member for more than three decades.
Tennis Victoria said Scarrott had shown tremendous leadership qualities over a long period and was a strong supporter of the BTA’s strategy of bringing major events to Bendigo.
The BTA is a finalist in two other award categories: most outstanding club, centre, association or school; and most outstanding tournament.
It won last year’s best tournament honour, receiving high praise for its staging of the 2011 William Loud Bendigo International, then went on to claim the national prize.
“That was a real feather in our cap... but I think we have done even better since then,” Scarrott said.
Tennis Victoria said the 2012 William Loud tournament was an innovative pro tour event – the first to run a junior ranking points competition alongside the senior draw.
It attracted high-quality players and actively involved the community, with 1000 students from nine schools attending and enjoying player Q&A sessions and fun MLC Tennis Hot Shots games on court.
Award winners will be announced at the Tennis Victoria Championships Dinner in the Members’ Dining Room at the MCG on June 24.
