Calgary National Bank Challenger Announces Historic Investment in 2023 Women’s Event
Returning to Calgary November 5-12, 2023, The Calgary National Bank Challenger is Canada’s first W60 event to offer female players paid hospitality
The Calgary National Bank Challenger (The Challenger or The Tournament), hosted at the Osten & Victor Alberta Tennis Centre (ATC), is making history by announcing a groundbreaking investment in this year’s women’s event. As Canada’s first International Tennis Federation W60 event to provide paid hospitality to female players, this initiative marks a significant stride towards bridging the pay-equity gap in the sport.
In a resounding commitment to promoting gender equity, the ATC Board has pledged an exceptional $50,000 to support female competitors hospitality during the professional tennis tournament. This is a significant historic investment that enhances the lives of female players in tennis. This generous funding, combined with a grant from the Province of Alberta’s Major Cultural Sport Event (MCSE) grant program, ensures that both male and female competitors receive essential financial support. These resources will cover hotel costs and bolster various aspects of the event. Moreover, Tennis Canada and title partner National Bank of Canada have also amplified their investment in women’s tennis through the Game. Set. Equity. program which will host women’s tennis coaches for a special event during the Challenger.
Gavin Ziv, Chief Tournaments Officer at Tennis Canada, stated, “This is fantastic news for The Challenger and for tennis in Canada as a whole. Enhancing our women’s events, such as offering hospitality to female players, provides greater opportunities and fairer treatment for women in tennis. Our commitment to advancing gender equity at all levels of tennis across the country, in collaboration with the National Bank, is a responsibility we take to heart.”
The addition of the women’s event to The Challenger in 2022 made it Canada’s largest indoor combined tennis event. Last year’s event attracted over 10,750 spectators and contributed $3.2 million to the local and provincial economy. It was also a 2022 finalist for the Canadian Sport Tourism Prestige Awards, recognizing the best national and international events in Canada.
Danny Da Costa, Tournament Director of the Calgary National Bank Challenger and CEO of the ATC, emphasized their long-standing commitment to diversity, equity, and access in tennis. Female participation now constitutes nearly 60% of all players at their facility, and initiatives like the SHE CAN PLAY Girls Tennis & Leadership Program are thriving. Da Costa stated, “We want to set the standard for other events in Canada to offer paid hospitality for female athletes and move towards equal prize money in the future.”
knix, a brand known for empowering women, will join the event on November 10, 2023, to celebrate women in sports and offer an exciting shopping experience. The day will also feature a 4-hour professional development session for women coaches, enhancing skills and fostering community.
Tickets for the Calgary National Bank Challenger professional tennis tournament start at just $20.00/day. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Calgary National Bank Challenger.
Stay updated on this historic event and celebrate the advancement of gender equity in tennis!
For more information about the ATC, please visit Alberta Tennis Centre.
