Calgary’s tennis scene is about to light up with the arrival of Canadian tennis icons Milos Raonic, Vasek Pospisil, and Rebecca Marino, who are set to headline the highly anticipated “Everyone Can Play” Gala on October 11th. Held at the prestigious OSTEN & VICTOR Alberta Tennis Centre (ATC), this event is more than just a showcase of top-tier tennis—it’s a powerful statement on the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in the sport.

The Gala marks the debut of the ATC’s “Everyone Can Play” program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at breaking down barriers in tennis. This program is designed to make the sport accessible to new Canadians, under-represented families, and youth. By attending this event, supporters will be directly contributing to a cause that opens the doors to tennis for those who may not have had the chance to play before.

A Star-Studded Lineup for a Noble Cause

This year’s Gala features a stellar lineup of Canadian tennis stars, including Milos Raonic, Vasek Pospisil, Rebecca Marino, and former World No. 1 Doubles Player and 12-time Grand Slam Doubles Champion, Daniel Nestor. As the Calgary National Bank Challenger Tournament Ambassador, Nestor will also participate in the Pro-Am event on October 12th, where he’ll be joined by Raonic, Pospisil, and Marino.

Milos Raonic, a legend in Canadian tennis, is particularly enthusiastic about the event. “Being an immigrant who came to Canada at three years old, but just got into tennis at age nine, this type of initiative would have helped my family immensely, and I think this initiative will help many families down the road,” Raonic said. “I am incredibly proud to be a part of these events and support this initiative.”

Raonic’s illustrious career, highlighted by his climb to World No. 3 in singles and victories over tennis giants like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray, adds immense value to this event. Alongside him, Vasek Pospisil and Rebecca Marino will also be showcasing their incredible talent, making this Gala an unforgettable experience.

“We are delighted to have Milos Raonic, Vasek Pospisil, Rebecca Marino, and Daniel Nestor at this year’s inaugural Everyone Can Play Gala event,” said Danny Da Costa, CEO of The OSTEN & VICTOR Tennis Centre and Tournament Director of the Calgary National Bank Challenger. “These four athletes are trailblazers for Canadian Tennis. Collectively, their contributions to Canadian Tennis have helped inspire Canada’s golden generation to achieve international excellence.”

Vasek Pospisil, who will be returning to the Calgary National Bank Challenger for the fourth consecutive year, is another highlight of the event. Pospisil, who has been ranked as high as No. 25 in the world in singles and No. 4 in doubles, was named Postmedia’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2019. He has impressive victories over Top 20 players, including Daniil Medvedev, Andy Murray, and Milos Raonic, and has been a key player in Canada’s Davis Cup-winning 2022 World Championship team.

Rebecca Marino, currently ranked No. 2 in Canada and No. 139 in the world, will make her debut at the Calgary National Bank Challenger. Her career achievements, including a peak ranking of No. 38 in singles and 15 ITF career singles titles, make her a formidable competitor. Marino’s participation in the Exhibition, Pro-Am, and Challenger events is eagerly anticipated by fans.

A Night of Tennis, Culinary Delights, and Entertainment

The “Everyone Can Play” Gala is not just about tennis; it’s a celebration. The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on October 11th, featuring culinary delights from some of Calgary’s top chefs, entertainment from Cowboys Entertainment Group, and live and silent auctions with high-value items. It’s an evening designed to create lasting memories while supporting a worthy cause.

Continuing the Tennis Excitement: The Calgary National Bank Challenger

The Gala serves as the perfect precursor to the fifth edition of the Calgary National Bank Challenger, taking place from October 13-20, 2024. This tournament has earned its reputation as one of Alberta’s premier sporting events, attracting top talent from around the world. The event’s excellence has been recognized with the 2023 Canadian Sport Tourism Prestige Award for sponsorship initiative.

Calgarians won’t want to miss the chance to see their favorite players in action. For those who can’t attend in person, the event will be live-streamed on CBC Sports’ YouTube page, as well as on the ATP World Tour and International Tennis Federation websites.

Get Involved

Tickets for the “Everyone Can Play” Gala are now on sale. Priced at $250 per ticket, which includes a $100 charitable tax receipt, the ticket grants access to both the exhibition match and the Gala. For those interested in the tennis alone, tickets for the exhibition match are also available separately.

Don’t miss out on being part of this extraordinary event. Secure your tickets through Showpass.

For more information about the OSTEN & VICTOR Alberta Tennis Centre and the Calgary National Bank Challenger, visit their official websites.

This event promises to be a unique blend of sport, community, and philanthropy. Whether you’re a passionate tennis fan or someone who values inclusivity in sport, the “Everyone Can Play” Gala and the Calgary National Bank Challenger are events you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendars, Calgary – the court’s on fire, and the action is just beginning!