The Osten and Victor Alberta Tennis Center has unveiled its new state-of-the-art bubble tennis facility, featuring five indoor courts that are expected to grow the sport and provide an additional 70,000 hours of extra play time each year.
The project is estimated to have a positive economic impact of nearly $10 million, thanks to funding from Tennis Canada, the Province of Alberta, the Parks Foundation of Calgary and other donations from the tennis community.
The new venue will also host matches for the Calgary National Bank Challenger Tournament from November 5-13, which for the first time is a men’s and women’s event and the only indoor professional sporting event of its kind in Canada.
“It’s a great day for us,” said Ron Ghitter, president of the Osten and Victor Alberta Tennis Centre.
“We have funding for vulnerable children and we have helped 50,000 school children. They come to spend the day with us and play tennis, so we are here to grow and involve people in this wonderful sport that will last a lifetime.
Mayor Jyoti Gondek was also intrigued by the new facility, noting it will spark new investment in sport across Canada.
Mayor Gondek cuts the red ribbon at the Osten and Victory Tennis Center, November 5, 2022
“The goal is to build 160 new year-round courts and 30 facilities by 2029 across the country,” she said.
“It’s the result of a lot of hard work from the vendors in the community.”
NATIONAL BANK CHALLENGER
The National Bank Challenger features many big names from more than 40 countries, including Canadian tennis star Vasek Pospisil and Emilio Gomez from Ecuador.
Former world number 12, Germany’s Sabine Lisicki, is also competing this year. It’s her first visit to Calgary and the 2013 Wimbledon singles finalist is ready to put on a show.
“I think it’s amazing that they have facilities like this here, it’s not something that should be taken for granted because not many people have these opportunities,” Lisicki said.
“It’s huge, especially for young kids, to have the chance to train and practice as much as they need and want.”
Former world number 12, Germany’s Sabine Lisicki, is also competing this year.
Among the young athletes who took advantage of the new courts early Saturday morning was Kayla Cross, 17, of London, Ont.
“Seeing the fans here is very inspiring for me and I always wanted to help the future generation better and just develop tennis.”
Other Canadians like Montreal’s Sid Donarski are also looking forward to this year’s tournament.
“It’s a bit of a change to see all this snow, I hate it,” he smiled.
“But it’s so good for tennis and I know a lot of athletes from Canada, you know, I’ve also played with people from Calgary and I’m so happy for the city.”
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