Long service to the Solomon Islands Tennis Association gained recognition for a Solomon Islander.

Joel Benjamin of Malaita Province who has served the association for fifteen years was awarded last month in Australia.

The award presentation at the Australian Tennis Open Day on 23rd January was from the International Tennis Federation, Oceania Tennis Federation and Australia Tennis Federation.

"I feel really privileged to have been nominated to receive the award out of the many in the Oceania countries," Mr. Benjamin said.

He said the award night gave him the opportunity to watch "some of the great tennis players in the world".

Mr. Benjamin said the occasion is the first of its kind introduced in the Oceania region "so it is an honour for me".