The Tennis Professionals Association (TPA) and Tennis Canada have announced their 2018 award recipients and three of the honours were awarded to Alberta.

John Crabb | Tennis Canada Distinguished Service Award

John Crabb

The Tennis Canada Distinguished Service Award program recognizes individuals and organizations that have made a significant long-term contribution to the growth of tennis in Canada.

“I was somewhat surprised (but very appreciative) to be informed earlier this summer that I was being awarded a Tennis Canada Distinguished Service Award for my volunteer service to the sport in Edmonton,” says Crabb. “It has been a joy and privilege in my retirement years to be able to stay active, applying the management skills I learned in my business career and meeting and working with so many wonderful people.”

John has been an avid volunteer serving the Edmonton tennis community for over 40 years in various roles, including eight years on the Board at Capilano Tennis Club. (five as President), six years on the Board of Tennis Edmonton as Treasurer and Interclub Co-ordinator, and most recently as Treasurer and then President of Edmonton Junior Tennis Society (EJTS). His dedication, love of sport, and sharing of expertise in financial management and daily operations for the benefit of the tennis community, have been extraordinary and worthy of this recognition.   

Nominated by Daniel Skepple and Peter Ogilvie of Tennis Alberta, and Karina Trkulja, Executive Director of the Edmonton Junior Tennis Society, Trkulja says, “John is extremely deserving of this award.  Through his volunteer work, clubs like Capilano where he built a strong junior program including hosting Rogers Rookie Tour events, and administered Edmonton’s interclub which has been instrumental in introducing adults, at various levels, to competitive play. As President of EJTS he provides valuable insight and knowledge, thoughtful guidance and leadership.”

Royal Glenora | Year Round Facility Excellence Award

This award recognizes a year-round tennis facility that demonstrates a commitment to the promotion and growth of tennis and is supportive of the TPA by employing/contracting only TPA active certified instructors, coaches or club professionals. Ryan Schroffel, Tennis Manager/Head Coach, accepted the award on behalf of the Royal Glenora, which has been offering tennis to Edmontonians since 1961.

“This award is truly an honour as it recognizes the hard work and engagement of our staff, committee and members,” says Schroffel. “We have an active and engaged tennis community that is a pleasure to work with.  As we head into our redevelopment which will see the addition of three indoor courts, we are excited about what possibilities this opens up for our club as well as the Alberta tennis community.”

Carson Bell | TPA Coaching Excellence Award

Carson Bell and Mia Kupres

This award is presented to a TPA Coach for his or her achievements in player results at the National and/or international level.  Bell was recognized for his work with junior athlete Mia Kupres.  This year, Kupres won her first Junior ITF tournament in Guadalara, Mexico, and was recently accepted to the National Training program in Montreal to train full-time.  Bell, who coaches out of the Saville Community Sports Centre, was recognized for his high standard of conduct and ongoing dedication and commitment to all of the players he works with.

“For a second year in a row, Alberta has had a strong showing at the awards. Each recipient is well-deserving of the honour, and I’m proud to have each of them as colleagues. They continue to demonstrate a passion for the sport which is proof that our tennis community is vibrant, competitive and accomplished,” says Peter Ogilvie, Executive Director, Tennis Alberta.

(Photo: Carson Bell & Ryan Schroffel) 

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