The legacy of the Estevan 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games was evident on the tennis courts this weekend.
The Estevan Tennis Club hosted five learn-to-play clinics last Friday and Saturday that featured beginner lessons for child (ages six to nine), youth (ages 9 to 12), teen (13 and up) and adult players as well as an advanced lesson for experienced players. Colin Latchford, a Community Development Coordinator with Tennis Saskatchewan and a certified Tennis Canada instructor led the clinics, which were held on the newly rebuilt public courts behind the Estevan Leisure Centre.
Arnold Betzema, president of the Estevan Tennis Club, said the purpose of holding the learn-to-play clinics was to develop a love for the game in aspiring athletes within the community. The idea seemed to work with 10 children crowding onto the tennis courts on Friday to enjoy their first try at the sport.
“You can be six years old to 65 or 85 (to join the tennis club),” said Betzema, noting they are running a regular ladies night on Mondays and men’s night on Tuesdays this fall.
“We want people to learn the game, to use the facilities that have been a part of the legacy of the Summer Games and to grow the interest in the sport.”
Betzema said a youth program will not be run by the club this fall, but plans are in the works to develop one for next year. He said the club, which has sat dormant for the past three years and is just starting to ramp up activities again, provides a fun experience in the game of tennis for its members while also allowing its more competitive players a chance to get together.
“The courts are public courts, but the benefits (of joining the club) is you get to know who else is playing tennis and be able to take part,” he said. “Hopefully by next year we’ll be able to set up special leagues or special playing times for (our members).”
