Tennis Victoria inducted four more Country Week Legends last Sunday at the official opening of the 2023 Tennis Victoria’s VCTA Country Week.
Neil Langstaff from Leongatha, with at least 25 Country Weeks and who played a key part in starting the aligned Allambee/Leongatha teams, was called up to the stage first.
“Neil has played with friends over the year and more recently has made it a family affair playing with his sons,” Tennis Victoria CEO Adam Crameri advised.
“In 2022 Neil had the great pleasure in playing in the Country Week C3 Grandfinal with his grandson. What an amazing achievement.”
Frank Dekker, also from Leongatha, then joined his mate on stage.
“Frank started as a sprightly 19-year-old back in 1987 and since then has only missed two events,” Mr Crameri said.
“He has been in many finals and was fortunate enough to win B1 in 2000 and B2 in 2017.”
Carmel Wileman of Mooroopna, with Patty’s team, who started her Country Week in Yarrawonga in 1999 with a group of ladies from Shepparton, was also made a legend. ‘
“She is always promoting Country Week and has recruited many players over the years,” the CEO said.
Then there was Georgina Parker, from Mt Prospect Dashers, who has been competing at Country Week for over 30 years.
“Georgie is a familiar face to many of you having worked in the office with Pat Gilchrist and Carol Pearce in 1990 and joining the Dashers in 2012 and has played in numerous finals,” Mr Crameri said.
“I take this opportunity to again thank Pat and Carol for running Country Week before 2018.”
The four new inductees bring the total of Country Week Legends to 28 since the recognition was introduced in 2018.
Special mention was made of one Country Week Legend, Sandra Allen from Wodonga who is playing her 40th Country Week in a row.
“What an outstanding achievement, congratulations Sandra!” Mr Crameri said.