Making the Most of the Open

The Grand Slams are great for us to watch but it also means big business for us! It sparks some energy and interest into programs and we must make sure that we can use the impetus that it creates to our benefit. Of course many of the things that we should be done in advance and it doesn’t help that they kids are on school vacations during two of the four big events but here are some ideas anyway!

1. Hold your own Themed Australian, French, Wimbledon or US Open
2. Pros Tournament – get all the kids to come dressed at their favourite player
3. Run an Ace Reporter Competition – get the kids to write a news story on a match with prizes for the best descriptions and for identifying the key points in the match
4. Picture competition – draw a picture or create acollage made from newspaper clippings
5. Tell the Press – the local press are just looking for some stories that they can connect to big events.. tell them about your little US Open and create some community interest
6. Have a Party- it’s a great opportunity to get parents and kids together and have an event with food and games on the big finals day
7. Evaluate – think ahead to next year .. how will you capitalise on this type of event in the future? What could you do better? Write some things down while the moment is still here, then staple them into your diary at the right point ready for next year! – the moment will soon be gone unless you grab it.

If you can do any of these things then write a few paragraphs for the local press on the impact of the Open on your program.