Craigmore High School students, Emily O’Connor and Melanie Taylor, are set to showcase their artistic talent on the world stage after creating two trophies for the 2026 City of Playford Tennis International (COPTI).
Inspired and supported by their Aboriginal Education teacher Neisha Rathman, the students have completed beautifully crafted Kaurna shields to be awarded to the winner of the men’s and women’s competition.
The annual tournament will be held from 21 to 29 November at the Playford Tennis Centre, attracting top-tier tennis players from across the globe to compete for valuable world ranking points and to strengthen their chances of competing at major tournaments, including the Adelaide International and Australian Open.
Year 10 student Emily said it was exciting to imagine professional tennis players taking their trophies home, where they could be proudly displayed on the other side of the world.
Her design played tribute to important Indigenous Australians including Eddie Mabo.
“I used pathways and the symbol for hills to show the distance and work we’ve done to get to where we are now,” said Emily.
The central circle represents a meeting place, symbolising the importance of gathering and working towards a core community focus.
Melanie in year 8 also agrees that it’s surreal to think her design will soon belong to a tennis champion.
Featuring a vibrant mix of colours, her design celebrates the river landscape and pays tribute to loved ones who have passed away. Three sun symbols in the sky represent loved ones watching over from above.
“My design shows the camping trips I would take with my family to the river,” said Melanie. “It’s about family, the memories and past loved ones.”
Behind every professional athlete is a network of people who support them in achieving their goals. These designs reflect that spirit, celebrating the idea that it takes a village to make a champion.
City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said showcasing the creativity of young Indigenous people in Playford strengthens the connection between this international tournament and our local community.
“By involving local young people, we’re making this tournament about more than world-class tennis. We’re celebrating the people who make Playford special, giving our young talent a platform to shine and strengthening the connection between this international event and the community that proudly hosts it,” said Mayor Docherty.
“We are proud to celebrate and create opportunities for younger generations to share their stories and keep their culture strong.”
The trophies are to be presented to the male and female champions at this year’s finals of the City of Playford Tennis International on Sunday 29 November.
Entry is free throughout the tournament, giving everyone the opportunity to experience world-class tennis up close and see some of the same professional players who could go on to compete at the Adelaide International.
