Gold Coast tennis player Ben Hielscher, 12 from Robina, has recently been awarded the monthly Medibank Healthy Attitude Award for his hard work, positivity and commitment to the sport.
Ben's coach, Nick Watkins, who also coached Aussie star Sam Stosur, explained that Ben's positive attitude and unfaltering enthusiasm meant he was an obvious choice for the award.
"Ben's commitment to tennis has tripled over the past year and his hard work has paid off, as he is currently Number 2 on the Gold Coast for his age. He has an extensive training schedule, which includes training with me, at Miami Grass Tennis Club, and also on his own multiple times a week," Nick said.
"Ben is a pleasure to coach and a great example for our younger players at the club," Nick continues. "I coached Sam Stosur for 10 years, so I'm able to recognise an upcoming Aussie tennis star when I see one."
Ben says, "I'm thrilled to receive the Medibank Healthy Attitude Award. Tennis is so important to me and it's great to be rewarded for my efforts. I regularly compete in local interclub fixtures and find that keeping a positive attitude and focus on my sport really goes a long way to helping me achieve success."
The Medibank Healthy Attitude Awards recognise young players who demonstrate an excellent attitude toward the sport of tennis during tournaments that make up the 2012 Medibank Junior Development Series. Nominated players are judged based on their positive attitude and enthusiasm towards the game, their commitment to playing and training, and demonstrated good behaviour.
The Medibank Junior Development Series, which is a Tennis Australia initiative, comprises a number of tournaments conducted around Australia for beginner to intermediate players aged 10 - 14 years old.