Paralympic glory in sight for NSWIS wheelchair tennis stars

The Australian wheelchair tennis team for the 2016 Paralympic Games has been and NSWIS scholarship holders Ben Weekes and Adam Kellerman are on the plane to Rio.

Three-time Paralympian Weekes and London 2012 Paralympian Kellerman are part of a four-man wheelchair tennis squad announced by the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC).

A growing sport across the country, Australia has claimed just one single Paralympic gold in wheelchair tennis, won by ITF Hall of Fame inductee David Hall during Sydney 2000, and Weekes and Kellerman will be aiming to be our second.

The pair have both experienced the height of wheelchair tennis, having competed at four Games between them but are still chasing down that elusive first Paralympic medal.

Commenting on his selection, Kellerman said: “At London, I was excited just to be there and everything was overwhelming, but this time, I’ll be able to stay grounded and appreciate the experience more.

“To have London behind me will be a huge advantage, and I’m really looking forward to showing how far I’ve come in my first match.”

Wheelchair tennis is open to athletes with a physical disability and follows the same rules as able-bodied tennis. With the sole exception that the ball is allowed to bounce twice, athletes play in singles and doubles events with the first to win two sets declared the winner.

The Rio Paralympic Games begin September 7 through to September 18, 2016.