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

October 2021
Join the USIC Week 2022

Join the USIC Week 2022

The USIC is looking forward to seeing many of our friends for IC Week and the 90th USIC Celebration in Washington, DC from August 21-26, 2022. With five Cup
competitions involving men and women players of all age groups, it should be a great week for everyone.

Columbus Trophy
Juego de Pelota
La Carreta
Mercelis Cup
Windmill Cup

The USIC is hosting the IC Week and 90th USIC Celebration at the Chevy Chase Club in Chevy Chase, MD which was also the site of the 2008 Jubilee Anniversary IC Week. The Welcome Reception will be on Sunday evening and will give everyone an opportunity to meet and reconnect with IC friends. The closing dinner will be Thursday evening, August 25 with finals scheduled on Friday.

The USIC Week and 90th Anniversary Celebration is scheduled during the week preceding the US Open to make it convenient for anyone interested in attending the US Open. Travel is easy via train, bus, or plane.

Please feel free to reach out to the USIC by email to ICWeek@sportsplus.com to express your team's interest in participating, and they will also be happy to answer any questions you may have. They will follow up with you regarding team entry fees, hotel information and a schedule of matches, and other details.

Here's to fostering friendship and fellowship on and off the court. We hope to seeyou in 2022!

Sincerely,

Robb Bunnen
Chair IC Week and USIC 90th Celebration

Don Tansey
President USIC

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