An opportunity of a lifetime

The results are finally out!! After 4 weeks of waiting, Joel received the email giving him an opportunity of a lifetime - to be a BALL KID at the Australian Open 2012!!!
In January this year, we found out that the Australian Open is recruiting Ballkids volunteers for the next AO in 2012. Both Joel and Jonas applied.
On 27/3/2011, they were both selected to attend the Level 1 Selection Trials.

 Joel, Jonas & Nicolas (Jonas' classmate) at the Selection Trials.

 
They are assessed on how they can roll, drop and catch the Tennis ball. as well as how agile and quick they are.

They were both selected to attend the Level 2 Selection Trails at Melbourne Park on 15 May 2012.

 

This was a more challenging trial as they were tested again on how they can roll, drop, throw and catch a tennis ball. There was also a test and an interview. There were about 400 kids applying for the 300 positions.

We are all very proud and happy that Joel has been successful. Jonas unfortunately was unsuccessful, and was definitely disappointed. However, that didn't last long as he found out that his classmate Nicolas, as well as 2 other friends of Joel were also unsuccessful in their application. He is keen to try again next year, and realised that he had to practice harder before the Trials next year, as he didn't practice hard enough this year.

Looking at the Tennis "Wall of fame" before the start of the Trials..... trying to gain some inspiration and confidence.