Tennis Canada launched a new fundraising campaign on Monday in which Félix Auger-Aliassime and Bianca Andreescu will generously participate.
Aiming to support tennis “at all levels across the country,” the (Re) Building a #TennisNation initiative supports the elite, Canadian tournaments as well as community initiatives and mass programs hit hard by the tennis pandemic. COVID-19.
The public will therefore be able to contribute on the website of the national federation by the end of December. Like Anton Rabie, co-CEO of Spin Master, Auger-Aliassime and Andreescu will each match donations, dollar for dollar, up to a maximum of $ 50,000. This is the second year in a row that the two athletes have reinvested in Canadian tennis after participating in the #Devenirchampion campaign in 2019.
“It is very important for me to support this fundraising campaign,” Auger-Aliassime said in a press release. This year has been very difficult for many people. For me, it’s a priority to help young tennis players achieve their goals. I hope many Canadians will join us and do the same. Fortunately, I am in a situation that allows me to help young tennis players across Canada have the same opportunities as me, despite the economic consequences of the pandemic. ”
“Canadian tennis has been very successful over the past few years, but unfortunately 2020 has been difficult for all players, from beginners to professionals,” added Andreescu. I have no doubt that tennis will experience a renaissance in Canada and that we will continue to position ourselves as an inspiring country. I think giving back to my sport is the right thing to do to allow the next generation to succeed. The players of tomorrow deserve the support that I have had during my journey. “
Significant drops
Following the postponement of the Rogers Cup events, Tennis Canada expects to lose $ 17 million in 2020 due to significant shortfalls in tournament revenue. These profits constitute nearly 90% of the annual financial investment for the development of sport.
“The reality is that insufficient resources to support a world-class elite program could last five years or more,” said Michael Downey, President and CEO of Tennis Canada. The generation of young Canadian players may be deprived of the support they need to achieve their goals and develop future international champions who inspire the next generation. ”
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