For three years, TENNISfest, has been held at the Edmonton Expo Centre, organized by the non-profit organizations Edmonton Junior Tennis Society and Tennis Edmonton Association, which have recently merged under the ‘umbrella’ name of Edmonton Tennis Community (ETC).
A new board was elected in late April 2024, and management and operations have been fully integrated under the leadership of President Miranda Smit and Executive Director Karina Trkulja. Long time EJTS President John Crabb has taken on the role of Past President to support the Board and help ensure a seamless transition.
ETC is taking tennis to the tennis community in and around Edmonton this outdoor season with ten different program locations. And, of course, their annual grand celebration of tennis, TENNISfest, will be held at Edmonton ExpoCentre on Saturday June 22.
TENNISfest 2024
TENNISfest is a free, extensive TryTennis event offered to anyone with any skill level who can experience tennis in a new and exciting way. This event offers newcomers and experienced players a chance to socialize within the tennis community and be given an introduction to accomplished coaches, sports centres, tennis clubs, and more.
Above: Scenes from TENNISfest 2023, where kids and adults alike participate in some tennis fun.
This year, seven (7) clubs will be at the event as partners, plus three (3) equipment suppliers and seven (7) sponsors, including Tennis Canada, Tennis Alberta, ParticipACTION, and long-term supporter Apollonia Dental Clinic.
TENNISfest 2024 will be held on Saturday, June 22nd, and it’s anticipated to welcome over 500 athletes of all ages.
Community Programming
Program locations include community leagues, clubs and public courts around the city and region. Kids programs include Level 1 and 2 multi-week lesson programs for ages 4 to 17.
For adults, ETC is offering a series of box leagues, plus one-day fun tournaments, adult lesson programs (primarily for beginners and intermediate players), and ETC will continue to support organized Meetup events.
Additionally, ETC is continuing the longstanding practice of both EJTS and TE by searching for opportunities to offer free ‘outreach’ programs to introduce underserved groups to our sport and promote community engagement. Their partners include the Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, Boys & Girls Clubs, Edmonton Wheelchair Tennis, and EverActive Schools.
Visit their website for more information.
More to come.
