Welcome to the International Club of Canada
"Hands across the net, friendship across the ocean "

Welcome to the International Club of Canada

Aims of the International Lawn Tennis Club of Canada

To promote friendship and sportsmanship in tennis between Canada and other countries by hosting tennis events with other IC countries and supporting tennis development in Canada by providing mentorship for young tennis players.

The first meeting of Active Members of the International Lawn Tennis Club of Canada was held at the Albany Club in Toronto on Wednesday, August 11, 1965, at 12.30 p.m. Laird Watt, the first president of the Club, was unable to attend and Gilbert Nunns chaired the meeting. In addition to Gilbert those attending the meeting in person or by proxy were familiar names in Canadian tennis history: Peter Barnard, John Bassett, Bob Barnard, François Godbout, Bruce Harrison, Sydney Hermant, Jim Macken, Harry Marpole and Walter Martin. Don Fontana, captain of the Club, agreed to approach the I.C. of the USA for a match in 1966. There were discussions of a black tie dinner, a match against a touring team from England and plans to participate in I.C. matches in Holland. The Canadian I.C. was up and operating. It had officially received “International Club” recognition just six weeks before, at the annual meeting of the Council of I.C.’s held each year during the fortnight of Wimbledon. It joined thirteen other nations with International Clubs, all existing with a common interest in the game of tennis.

The annual match with the USA Club has been the main regular event of the Club since that time, with matches alternating each year between the Donalda Club and various locations in the USA. The Piping Rock Club on Long Island, The Merion Cricket Club in Philadelphia, The West Side Tennis Club on Long Island. In 1971 the matches were divided in an open event competing for the Proctor Cup and a seniors event for the new Lawrence Baker Trophy. Women’s matches were included in the late 90’s and starting in the year 2000 teams will play for the Carole Graebner Trophy. 

There is no doubt that tournaments for the Windmill, Christiane Mercelis, and Columbus Trophies represent the highlights of the I.C. Movement. On these occasions many of the now 42 International Clubs meet in team competition. In these tournaments old friendships across the net and across the nations are renewed, and new ones made. Equally enjoyable are the I.C. Tours where teams of I.C. players tour other countries at the invitation of their I.C.’s, or host visiting teams.

This brief review of the Club’s history would not be complete without an expression of gratitude to the spirit behind the creation of the I.C. Club of Canada, the Late Bruce Harrison and those who have served on the Club’s executive, particularly its presidents: Laird Watt, Walter Martin, John Proctor, Jim Skelton, Frank Mott-Trille, Brian Flood and David Dimmer.

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IC Council News

February 2018
IC's Helena Sukova and Michael Stich inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame

IC's Helena Sukova and Michael Stich inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame

We are delighted to report that Helena Sukova, IC of Czech Republic and Michael Stich, IC of Germany have been elected to receive tennis’ top honor this summer. Labelled 'tennis' ultimate honour', they will join tennis legends from around the world to be formally inducted into the prestigious International Tennis Hall of Fame on July 21st during Hall of Fame Weekend in Newport, Rhode Island.

 

They will join an elite group of just over 250 people from a total of 23 nations who have received the honour, which recognises their outstanding careers as being among the most impressive and impactful in the history of tennis. As stated by the International Tennis Hall of Fame, their mission statement is to "preserve and promote the history of tennis and celebrate its champions, thereby serving as a vital partner in the growth of tennis".

Helena, a 14 time Grand Slam champion in doubles and mixed doubles, a four-time Grand Slam singles runner-up and winner of 10 singles titles and 69 doubles titles, is a deserving winner from her outstanding tennis achievements alone. But here at the International Lawn Tennis Club, we would also like to recognise all her hard work for the IC of Czech Republic which includes; re-establishing the IC of Czech Republic in 1999 and serving as its President from then until today onwards, as well as her previous 7 years on the Executive Committee of the IC Council from 2001-2008 and active successful representation both on and off the court throughout this time and onwards.

 

Michael Stich, the former world number 2, won the men's singles title at Wimbledon, along with the doubles titles at both Wimbledon and the Olympic Games. He was singles runner-up at both the French Open and US Open and won 18 singles titles and 10 doubles titles. An active IC of Germany member who serves on the clubs Advisory Board, Michael has also devoted a lot of his time since retirement to his own AIDS foundation.

Many congratulations to both Helena and Michael.


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