SPIN Weekly January 9, 2015

OTA PICTURE OF THE WEEK

Talk about fast courts!!! St. James Tennis Club Courts in Ottawa

St. James Tennis Club in Ottawa

The rink returns at St. James! Community workers in Ottawa's Glebe neighbourhood saved outdoor skating rink last winter after striking a deal with St. James Tennis Club. For years, an outdoor rink was setup in a nearby field. In 2013 the field was needed as a staging area for construction. St James tennis club manager, (and OTA Regional Coordinator for Ottawa) John Wins-Purdy learned about the issue and came forward with his own solution: to put the rink atop his club's courts. Working with the Glebe Community Association and the Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group, Wins-Purdy secured a $3,000 custom-made liner from a company in Wisconsin that protects the four tennis courts while skaters enjoy the ice above. The project drew the attention of Dan Chenier, the city of Ottawa's manager of Parks and Recreation. "There may be locations, neighbourhoods, where we don't have rinks now and a tennis court could work. This could open up new avenues," said Chenier. Wins-Purdy said he'd like to see the idea spread, but for now he's happy his community won't lose its skating pad. "It feels great. I can't wait to lace them up and play some hockey," he said.

Send your favorite tennis shot and a brief description to ota@tennisontario.com - each week we’ll pick one and feature it in OTA Spin Weekly!

OTA HEADLINES

Busy Time at the Rexall Centre

The OTA hosted several tournaments at the Rexall Centre over the holidays. Over 200 competitors took part in tournaments of all ages and categories including Men’s and Women’s 5.0, Men’s 4.0, 3.0, U12 – U16 Transition Tour and the National Selection Feedup events for U12 to U18. For complete results visit www.tennisontario.com / Player Development. Thanks to the Tennis Canada staff for accommodating us!

Merchant of Tennis Specials

Winter Clearance on now at Merchant of Tennis! Up to 50% off select racquets and up to 40% off select footwear and 30% - 50% off clothing. Shop now: http://bit.ly/WinterClearanceOTA.

OTA/RAPTOR TICKET DEAL!!!The OTA has teamed up with MLSE to offer OTA members some great discounts on Toronto Raptor home games for the rest of the season! Receive discounted ticket pricing on all remaining Raptors home games while supplies last. Click here for more details and to order!

COMING EVENTS 

Very Important: New Policy for Competitors beginning Jan 1st 2015

There has been a new policy added to the “Rules of the Court for 2015”. Players who withdraw late or fail to complete all required events in a tournament will receive penalty points which can lead to a player being suspended. Click here for more details.

International Tennis Federation (ITF)

Four times per year Tennis Canada sends lists of top juniors and top Open players to the ITF which is used by the ITF for determining their acceptance lists (main, qualifying, and alternate) for entry into junior and professional events. Please click on the links below for further details and dates.

Information and Dates on Junior and Open Ranking Lists (Used for entry into Junior ITF and Pro Events) 

Junior list information and dates

Open list information and dates 

Please click here to find out more important information regarding the National Competitive Structure.

The entry deadline is quickly approaching for the events below. To register, please click on the provided tournament link.

ACE U14 Provincial Circuit (3 star) & U12/16 Rogers Rookie Tour & U9 Future Stars - January 16 - 18
Girls and Boys U9/12/14/16 Singles. Entry deadline - January 11. For more information or to enter, click here.

Rexall National Selection  #1 GU18 January 16 - 18

Girls U18 Singles and Doubles. Entry deadline - January 11. For more information or to enter, click here.

Niagara Academy of Tennis U16 Provincial Circuit (3 star) - January 16 - 18 

Boys and Girls U16 Singles. Entry deadline - January 11. For more information or to enter, click here.

Welland U12 Provincial Circuit (3 star) - January 16 - 18
Girls and Boys U12Singles. Entry deadline - January 11. For more information or to enter, click here.

Fitness Institute Team Tennis Tourney – Sun. January 25

Tournament Details:  Each TEAM entry includes two men and two ladies. A TEAM match consists of one set of MD, WD and two MXD against other TEAMs. When you are not on court you sit courtside with your teammates. Coaching and cheering is encouraged! Very high energy and great tennis! Your entry fee includes Guarantee of 3 TEAM matches, Players Packages, On and off court Sponsor Contests, and More. Start Time: 9:30 a.m. Spots are limited and the Prizes are Great so make sure you register soon! If you don’t have a full team, just sign up and we will help put a TEAM together. For more information visit  TENNISaccess.com. To enter contact TennisAccess 647-342-TENNIS (8366) or e-mail entry to Entry@TENNISaccess.com.

15^th Annual Valentines Mixed Doubles Tourney – Sun., February 8

At Mayfair West Tennis Club. Your Entry Fee Includes:  A & B Elimination Draws / Guarantee of 3 matches / Valentine’s Players' Package / Courtside Treats / Excellent Prizes including His & Her Bolle Sunglasses … and much more! / Plus - Access to Mayfair West’s Full Facilities. In addition, this event will include: Silent Auction / Sponsor Contests and Events – with Great Giveaways You Should Know: The draw is limited to 30 teams – and always fills, so make sure you sign up soon! To Enter: Email Entry@TENNISaccess.com. For more information visit TENNISaccess.com or call 647-342-TENNIS (8366).

OTA CLASSIFIEDS

Sports Travel Experts Offers Tennis Trips to Wimbledon, US Open and Jamaica Sports Travel Experts offers trips to Wimbledon, the US Open and an exclusive tennis holiday at the Half Moon Resort in Jamaica. Half Moon Resort participants can enjoy a great tennis event near the beach, make new friends and learn from top certified professionals. The trip also includes an exhibition match after a fun day on the courts with some of the world’s greatest tennis player’s. In particular the second Jamaica Senior ITF, an event which was enjoyed by a number of Ontario players in 2014, will be held April 23 to 26, 2015. Sports Travel Experts will also offer travel to Wimbledon or the US Open, two of the world’s most prestigious tournaments, with experts who will provide an unforgettable experience. Please visit us at www.sportstravelexperts.com or contact info@sportstravelexperts.com or 1-800-677-5295.

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