Sobeys Stadium will play host to a tennis camp this week (July 2nd-July 5th), providing an opportunity for New Canadian Youth, defined as children between the ages of 8-13 whose families have moved to Canada within the past 10 years, to take up the sport.
The camp, officially named ‘Tennis Canada Summer Tennis Camp at Sobeys Stadium’, was made possible thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor family. It will be facilitated by Tennis Clubs of Canada, an operator of tennis facilities that run multiple tennis camps across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) during the summer. Activities will include on-court tennis sessions at Sobeys Stadium, home to Rogers Cup presented by National Bank, as well as field games and swimming at the adjacent York University.
Former Canadian professional tennis player Daniel Nestor, a 12-time Grand Slam doubles title winner, will be in attendance on Thursday for a meet and greet with the campers. The 46 year old, who retired in September 2018, also won an Olympic Gold medal and two Rogers Cup doubles titles during an illustrious career.
“It will be an absolute pleasure to be part of the Camp for New Canadians this week,” Nestor commented. “I am really looking forward to spending time and having fun with the children that are attending.”
“Tennis really is a sport for anyone and everyone. Having moved to Canada from Serbia with my parents as a child, this camp in particular really resonates with me. Hopefully everyone enjoys themselves and, who knows – maybe we will discover a future tennis star in the making?”
In the weeks following the camp, all attendees will be offered continuous tennis programming at the local community tennis club in their neighbourhood, Thorncliffe Park Tennis Club, at no cost. Tennis Canada will provide funding, while Thorncliffe Park Tennis Club will waive the junior membership fee requirement, hire instructors and execute the program.