The Tevlin Challenger recently wrapped up in Toronto and the tournament was marked by more than just crowning new champions on the court.
The event also hosted several Game. Set. Equity. (GSE) activities further highlighting Tennis Canada’s commitment to providing equitable opportunities for women and girls to grow and advance within tennis.
Not only did 30 coaches take part in a Women in Leadership professional development event, but 14 players also participated in a Girls. Set. Match. Team tennis event alongside four young women leaders from our Girls Leadership Program who were eager to put their leadership skills into practice, and several young members of the Jane/Finch Community Tennis Association had the chance to shadow women tournament staff to learn about the different leadership roles available to them through tennis. They were inspired by Tournament Manager Nicole Artuso who impressed upon them the importance of caring for the well-being of the players and making them feel at home while competing. All while learning some of the behind-the-scenes details of what it takes to put on a world-class tournament. They were also interested in learning some of the technical aspects of sport photography with tournament photographer Neena Channan who definitely gets the best seat in the house during the matches. Not only were the participants buoyed by the experience, but their parents also came away excited about the possibilities for their daughters.
An Important Platform for Women’s Tennis in Canada
It’s fitting that GSE shared some of the spotlight during the Tevlin Challenger given the tournament’s legacy as a vital stepping stone for so many of Canada’s top WTA players. Case in point, the list of past singles champions includes four Canadian winners: Aleksandra Wozniak, Eugenie Bouchard, Gabriela Dabrowski, and Marina Stakusic just last year.
READ: Tennis Canada and National Bank Launch Campaign for Gender Equality Week 2024
This is exactly what Mike and Nicole Tevlin hoped for when they first decided some two decades ago to donate a major gift to Tennis Canada, specifically to promote and facilitate the growth of women’s tennis across the country. Their incredible support continues today as the tournament continues to thrive.
“Nicole and I are incredibly proud to see the growth of the Challenger year after year and the many doors it has opened for our Canadian players who we love to follow throughout the tennis season,” said Mike Tevlin. “The addition of Game. Set. Equity. initiatives give more reasons to celebrate women and girls in the sport, both on and off the court, and showcases the positive impact that tennis can have on their lives.”
Mike Tevlin
Learn more about our GSE initiatives and how you can be part of the movement.