Moortgat said Downer has become a mentor to the younger ball kids and will assist with coordinating duties later in the tournament. Dallas Open events continue at The Star until Sunday.

“Unfortunately one of the ball kids is unwell and that’s very unfortunate,” commentator David Basheer said on Nine. “All it takes is the ball kids not to take on the right type of liquid ...

“A lot of the kids involved in Buddy Ball face challenges that can make traditional sports programs difficult,” Aidan said. “By volunteering, we’re helping create an environment where they can have ...