Advantage 'Calgary': New bubble tennis facility changes game for next generation, creates major economic boost
The Osten and Victor Alberta Tennis Centre unveiled its new state-of-the-art bubble tennis facility, featuring five indoor courts expected to grow the sport and provide 70,000 extra hours of extra play-time each year.
It’s estimated that the project will have a positive economic impact of nearly $10 million, thanks to funding from Rogers Communications, Tennis Canada, the Province of Alberta, the Parks Foundation of Calgary and other donations from the tennis community. The initiative is also part of a bigger strategy to promote the sport year-round in Canada.
The new venue will also host matches for the Calgary National Bank Challenger Tournament from Nov. 5 to 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 big day for us,” said Ron Ghitter, Chair of the Osten and Victor Alberta Tennis Centre.
“We have financial funding for vulnerable kids and we've put through 50,000 school kids. They come and spend the day with us and play tennis so we're here for growth and to get people involved to enjoy this wonderful sport that will last for a lifetime.”
Mayor Jyoti Gondek was also intrigued by the new facility, noting that it will spark further investments in the sport across Canada.
Mayor Gondek cuts the red ribbon at Osten and Victory Tennis Centre, Nov.5, 2022
“The aim is to build 160 new year-round courts and 30 facilities by 2029 across the nation,” she said.
“It’s a result of a lot of hard work of vendors in the community.”
NATIONAL BANK CHALLENGER
The National Bank Challenger is featuring several big names from more than 40 countries, including the likes of Canadian tennis star Vasek Pospisil and Emilio Gomez of Ecuador.
Former world number 12, Sabine Lisicki of Germany 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 over here, that's not something that should be taken for granted, because not many people have those opportunities,” Lisicki said.
“This is huge especially for younger kids to have the chance to train and practice as much as they need to and want to.”
Former world number 12, Sabine Lisicki of Germany is also competing this year.
Amongst those younger athletes taking advantage of the new courts early Saturday morning was 17-year-old Kayla Cross from London, Ontario.
“Seeing the fans here is very inspiring for me and I've always wanted to help the future generation better and just grow tennis.”
Other Canadians like Sid Donarski from Montreal also look forward to competing in this year’s tournament.
“It’s kind of a change seeing all this snow, I kind of hate it,” he smiled.
“But this is so great for tennis and I know a lot of athletes from Canada, you know, I've been playing with people from Calgary as well and I’m so happy for the city.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'They needed people inside Air Canada:' Police announce arrests in Pearson gold heist
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
BREAKING Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter banned from NBA
Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter has been handed a lifetime ban from The National Basketball Association (NBA) following an investigation which found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors, the league says.
WATCH LIVE As GC Strategies partner is admonished by MPs, RCMP confirms search warrant executed
The RCMP confirmed Wednesday it had executed a search warrant at an address registered to GC Strategies. This development comes as MPs are enacting an extraordinary, rarely used parliamentary power, summoning one of its contractors to appear before the House of Commons to be admonished publicly for failing to answer questions related to the ArriveCan app.
Disappointment widespread over budget's proposed $200-month disability benefit funding
Advocacy groups across Canada are expressing widespread disappointment about the amount of funding earmarked in the 2024 federal budget for the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit.
Earthquake jolts southern Japan
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.4 hit southern Japan late on Wednesday, said the Japan Meteorological Agency, without issuing a tsunami warning.
opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster
A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?
Woman who pressured boyfriend to kill his ex in 2000s granted absences from prison
A woman who pressured her boyfriend into killing his teenage ex more than a decade ago will be allowed to leave prison for weeks at a time.
Former Sask. massage therapist who sexually assaulted clients has day parole revoked
A former massage therapist who pleaded guilty to a string of sexual assaults has had his day parole revoked.