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

September 2022
USIC 90th Anniversary Celebrates Return of IC Week

USIC 90th Anniversary Celebrates Return of IC Week

The USIC 90th Anniversary Celebration held in Washington, DC from August 21-26 showcased a glorious week of rekindled friendships and competition during the first IC Week held since prior to the global pandemic in 2020.

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With 170 players plus their guests from 17 nations comprising 13 teams participating in five trophy events for men and women of all ages from 18 to over 80, IC Week was an uplifting experience for everyone involved.

Hosted by the Chevy Chase Club which offered 16 immaculate clay courts and supported by nearby Columbia Country Club and Kenwood Country Club each with eight additional clay courts, IC Week featured 234 matches which kicked off on Monday morning.

On Wednesday, winners were determined in four events. There was a fitting spirited final for the Columbus Trophy. With sets tied at 3-3, the match ended in a 12-10 tiebreak with Great Britain emerging victorious over host USA.

A dynamic British women’s team also prevailed in the La Carreta competition defeating France 2-1 in the final.

Joining their British counterparts, Germany also took home two trophies. Germany’s men triumphed 4-2 against USA in the Windmill Trophy final with the German women going undefeated in the Mercelis Trophy winning matches against Great Britain, USA, and Luxembourg.

The round robin Juego de Pelota concluded on Thursday with the host USA at the top of the standings.

IC Week was highlighted by activities including a well-received twilight walking tour of five Washington, DC landmarks featuring the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial which attracted more than 150 eager participants.

IC Philanthropy program took "center court" on Thursday with a fully subscribed Pro Am that raised more than $20,000 for USIC Philanthropy efforts tied to the IC mission.

With an Opening Evening reception on Sunday, an All-American Barbecue outdoors on Tuesday, and a Closing Dinner on Thursday, there was also ample time for relaxing with teammates and new friends.

The IC’s mantra of "Hands across the net, friendship across the ocean" was in full display all week. IC Council Chairman Peter McQuibban and IC Council Match Captain Kit Spencer joined IC Council members Don Tansey and Dan Waldman and leaders from the ICs worldwide from Argentina to Australasia. The USIC appreciates the commitment of all of the IC players and guests who travelled long distances to celebrate the rebirth of IC Week.

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