By Sarah Tone, Communications Coordinator
Tennis has featured in every Canada Summer Games since 1969. Here in Niagara, the competition is taking place at both the Niagara-on-the-Lake Tennis Club and the Welland Tennis Club.
Team Manitoba athletes Stef Barre (19) and Yelena Travica (17) are both hoping to gain the experience they need, at Canada’s largest multi-sport competition, to progress to the next level.
“I hope to gain experience and use this event as a building block for the rest of the year,” said Stef.
“At these Games, I hope to get a sense of my competitors for future competition,” said Yelena.
Stef has played tennis since he was 6 years old, and Yelena started playing at age 13. They both appreciate the opportunity to work alongside head coach Jared Connell, who is a mentor to both.
“He believes in his athletes and knows how to motivate me,” said Yelena. “And he’s always there when needed and gives good feedback.”
Both players are used to playing individually, but here in Niagara they’re playing on teams.
“Team events are fun, we have bonded as a team and it’s exciting to have your team here to cheer for you,” Yelena said as she reflected on her experience so far.
Fun fact: Niagara is deeply ingrained in the history of tennis in Canada. It was one of the first communities to form a tennis program and send athletes to the Canadian Championships in 1890.
