Year-round tennis officially arrived in Thunder Bay in March upon the grand opening of the Rogers Tennis Dome which covers six new courts at the Thunder Bay Community Tennis Centre (TBCTC). Considering the especially harsh weather in the region, the covered courts have been welcomed with open arms by players of all ages and ability.
April Chen’s daughter, Ariel, used to play squash in the winter but now she can keep up her tennis throughout the year at the indoor facility which allows her game to stay consistent and to improve all at the same time.
“I think this facility gives the community more opportunities to try tennis for everyone,” Chen said. “It makes tennis feel more accessible and welcoming for different families.”
Chen wanted to help Ariel find a sport she truly enjoys and that she can keep playing for life. Tennis is a way for her to build healthy habits, stay active, and have a positive way to deal with stress as she grows up.
“I think tennis has taught Ariel that winning and losing are both part of the game. Progress takes time, both in tennis and in life and that’s why practice is important,” Chen added.
Chen believes that Ariel’s chosen sport helps her focus, make quick decisions, and teach her body to cooperate at the same time. Tennis teaches her patience, builds her confidence, makes her open to more challenges and mentally stronger, both on and off the court. She’s made friends and has an easier time connecting with people. It gives her a sense of belonging and responsibility.
Meanwhile, George Derbyshire is a Masters player whose first impression of tennis as a youngster is that it was elitist sport. Today, he’s a frequent visitor to the indoor courts at the TBCTC to hit balls and play doubles. Derbyshire’s arthritis prevents him from practicing hockey and skiing, his other favourite winter sports, but tennis keeps him active, allows him to socialize with people from all walks of life, gets him out of the house, and gives him something to look forward to when the cold weather drags on. As a pediatric neurologist, he’s well-positioned to understand and advocate for tennis’ many benefits on our health.
“Tennis is a physically stimulating activity,” Derbyshire explained. “You’re stretching, your heart’s going and getting more blood flow to your brain, you can’t not feel better. The older you get, the longer you sit, the stiffer you get. Movement is important.”
The immediate impact of the Rogers Tennis Dome in Thunder Bay is exactly why the Year Round Community Tennis Courts Program presented by Rogers was put in place. Not only to allow players from across the country to step on court 12 months a year, but also to introduce even more people to the game and show them why tennis is a sport for all, for life.
