The tennis scene in Calgary is about to get a lot more exciting as Canadian tennis legends Milos Raonic, Vasek Pospisil, and Rebecca Marino are set to play at the highly anticipated “Everyone Can Play” Gala on October 11th. Hosted at the renowned OSTEN & VICTOR Alberta Tennis Centre (ATC), this event promises not only top-tier tennis action but also a powerful commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in the sport.
The Gala is the inaugural event for the ATC’s “Everyone Can Play” program, designed to break down barriers and make tennis more accessible to new Canadians, under-represented families, and youth. By supporting this initiative, attendees will directly contribute to making tennis a reality for many who might not otherwise have the opportunity to step onto the court.
“We are delighted to have Milos Raonic, Vasek Pospisil, Rebecca Marino, and Daniel Nestor at this year’s inaugural Everyone Can Play Gala event,” said Danny Da Costa, CEO of The OSTEN & VICTOR Tennis Centre and Tournament Director of the Calgary National Bank Challenger. “These four athletes are trailblazers for Canadian Tennis. Collectively, their contributions to Canadian Tennis have helped inspire Canada’s golden generation to achieve international excellence.”
The “Everyone Can Play” Gala is set to feature a remarkable lineup of Canadian tennis talent, including Milos Raonic, Vasek Pospisil, Rebecca Marino, and Daniel Nestor. These athletes are not just stars on the court but also trailblazers who have paved the way for the next generation of Canadian tennis players.
Milos Raonic, a household name in Canadian tennis, is especially excited about the event. “Being an immigrant who came to Canada at three years old, but just got into tennis at age nine, this type of initiative would have helped my family immensely, and I think this initiative will help many families down the road,” Raonic shared. “I am incredibly proud to be a part of these events and support this initiative.” Raonic’s illustrious career, highlighted by his ascent to World No. 3 in singles, includes victories over tennis giants like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray. His participation, along with Pospisil’s and Marino’s, adds a thrilling dimension to this already captivating event.
Joining Raonic in the tennis Exhibition and Pro-Am is Canadian Tennis star Vasek Pospisil, who will be returning to the Calgary National Bank Challenger for the fourth consecutive year. Pospisil, who has been ranked as high as No. 25 in the world in singles and No. 4 in doubles, was named Postmedia’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2019. He has recorded victories over Top 20 players, including Daniil Medvedev, Andy Murray, Milos Raonic, Grigor Dimitrov, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Richard Gasquet. With finals appearances in three ATP Tour events and a key role in Canada’s Davis Cup-winning 2022 World Championship team, Pospisil is set to bring his A-game to the Exhibition, Pro-Am, and Challenger events.
Vancouver’s Rebecca Marino will also make her debut at the Calgary National Bank Challenger. Currently ranked No. 2 in Canada and No. 139 in the world, Marino will compete in the Exhibition, Pro-Am, and Challenger events. Her career highlights include a ranking as high as No. 38 in the world in singles, 15 ITF career singles titles, and a finalist appearance at a WTA 250 event. Marino was also a member of Canada’s 2023 Billie Jean King Cup World Championship Team and boasts wins over Top 10 players, including Venus Williams, Caroline Garcia, and Madison Keys. In 2022, Marino showcased her talent by reaching the third round of the US Open Singles event.
The Gala will including former World No. 1 Doubles Player and 12-time Grand Slam Doubles Champion, Daniel Nestor. As the Calgary National Bank Challenger Tournament Ambassador, Nestor will also be showcasing his skills in the Pro-Am event on October 12th, where he’ll be joined by Raonic, Pospisil, and Marino.
This impressive lineup of Canadian tennis stars underscores the significance of the “Everyone Can Play” initiative, promising a memorable evening of tennis while supporting a cause that will make the sport more accessible to all.
The “Everyone Can Play” Gala isn’t just about tennis; it’s an experience. Starting at 5:30 p.m. on October 11th, the event will feature culinary creations from some of Calgary’s top chefs, entertainment provided by Cowboys Entertainment Group, and both live and silent auctions with high-value items up for grabs. It’s a night designed to be unforgettable, all while supporting a fantastic cause.
The Gala also sets the stage for the fifth edition of the Calgary National Bank Challenger, taking place from October 13-20, 2024. Recognized as one of Alberta’s premier sporting events, this tournament continues to draw top talent from around the world and has been lauded for its excellence, even winning the 2023 Canadian Sport Tourism Prestige Award for sponsorship initiative.
Fans in Calgary won’t want to miss the chance to see their favourite players up close, with the event being live-streamed on CBC Sports’ YouTube page, the ATP World Tour, and International Tennis Federation websites.
Tickets for the “Everyone Can Play” Gala are available now, with prices set at $250 per ticket, including a $100 charitable tax receipt. The ticket includes access to the exhibition match and Gala. For those only interested in the tennis action, tickets for the exhibition match are also available separately.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event. Visit Showpass to secure your tickets.
For more information about the OSTEN & VICTOR Alberta Tennis Centre and the Calgary National Bank Challenger, visit their official websites.
This event promises to be a remarkable convergence of sport, community, and philanthropy. Whether you’re a die-hard tennis fan or someone who values inclusivity in sport, the “Everyone Can Play” Gala and the Calgary National Bank Challenger offer something for everyone. Mark your calendars, Calgary – the court’s on fire, and you won’t want to miss the action!
