To help remove obstacles and boost physical activity and sport participation for equity-denied groups during the 2024 ParticipACTION Community Challenge presented by Novo Nordisk, ParticipACTION granted funding to several sport and physical activity organizations across Canada. One of these grantees was the Vancouver Tennis Society, a non-profit organization that advocates for tennis players in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Based in Port Coquitlam, B.C., which is where Saputo, one of the sponsors of the 2024 Community Challenge, operates, the Vancouver Tennis Society liaises with the City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation to provide and maintain dedicated public tennis facilities for residents of Vancouver to enjoy year-round. The organization also helps connect local tennis clubs, players and tennis coaches with each other, and promotes tennis and social activities to people from all age groups. The Vancouver Tennis Society’s board members have a wealth of experience in tennis education and a well-established presence within the tennis community.
“For many people, especially those belonging to equity-denied groups, tennis is financially out of reach,” Nick Tchernikov, president of the Vancouver Tennis Society, told ParticipACTION. “So, there is a significant need for free, high-quality introductory tennis lessons for people who are part of one or more of these groups.”
To help tackle the financial hurdles to tennis, the Vancouver Tennis Society offered free introductory tennis lessons throughout June as part of the 2024 Community Challenge.
“We wanted to open the doors to tennis for those who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to play”, said Nick.
Every weekend, a different equity-denied group – newcomers to Canada, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and low-income populations – received two-hour lessons from certified tennis instructors. Some of the instructors themselves belonged to equity-denied groups, helping participants feel more comfortable.
“Our introductory tennis lessons provided people from various equity-denied groups with an inclusive and supportive environment for trying tennis,” said Nick. “They also provided valuable coaching experience for new tennis instructors that enhanced their skills in managing large groups of people.”
To promote the lessons and recruit as many participants as possible, the Vancouver Tennis Society partnered with several organizations, including the BC Wheelchair Sports Association, the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (ISPARC), Sport For Life, the British Columbia Newcomers’ Camp and Mosaic. Featuring both training and social components, each introductory tennis session fostered not only skill development but also a sense of community.
“Tennis is a demanding sport that requires patience, resilience and self-confidence, but with the type of gentle introduction to tennis that the Vancouver Tennis Society offers, it can become very fun and highly rewarding,” said Nick. “Not only did the individuals who received the lessons get active and learn new skills, but they also found a safe space to socialize and connect with each other. We hope that these experiences will inspire them to continue playing tennis as a life-long sport, enhancing their health and social lives. I believe that the skills and abilities that individuals learn and develop through playing tennis can be easily transferred to other areas of their lives.”
“Everyone in Canada should have access to sports and physical activity opportunities,” said Rajesh Choudhary, Port Coquitlam Plant Manager, Saputo. “I’m excited that the ParticipACTION Community Challenge can support local community organizations, such as the Vancouver Tennis Association, and that Saputo can play a part in helping communities reduce barriers to getting active. Giving back has always been a part of Saputo’s culture, and we care deeply about the communities in which we operate.”
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the ParticipACTION team and the Government of Canada for funding these free introductory tennis lessons for equity-denied groups,” expressed Nick. “Seeing the joy on the participants’ faces was incredible, and we hope to keep offering these lessons annually in the years to come!”
