Pat Cash launches Gallipoli Cup

Australian tennis great Pat Cash was filmed by the Turkish media at the launch of the Gallipoli Youth Cup in Leichhardt yesterday.

Sarah Harvey

PAT Cash has embarked on a “personal journey” to educate people about the heroes of Gallipoli and Word War I.

The former Australian tennis ace spread the word at the launch of the Gallipoli Youth Cup (GYP) at the George Alder Tennis Centre in Ipswich yesterday.

He was joined by the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Turkey Turgut Allahmanli and Tennis Australia tournament director Mark Handley, who described the Leichhardt centre as “world-class”.

“Tennis Australia is very blessed to have a facility such as this, and it’s only natural that we will bring more events here,” he said.

“These courts are as good as you’ll see anywhere else in the world.”

The official GYP ambassador, Cash said he was passionate about educating children about the selfless actions of their forefathers.

“I think kids need to know more about Gallipoli and the history associated with the place. I suppose that’s become a personal journey of mine and one I’m very keen to keep working towards,” the 1987 Wimbledon winner said.

“The Gallipoli Youth Cup is a tennis tournament that allows us to bring kids together and educate them through sport.

“It’s a pretty unique concept and you’ll see some very competitive tennis from players from all over the world. The competition looks to have found a new home here in Ipswich.”

The fourth annual Gallipoli Youth Cup will be held from April 17-23 to coincide with the 95th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli.

It is expected to attract more than 100 players from Australia, New Zealand, Austria, South Africa, China, India and Japan.