Welcome to the International Club of Canada
"Hands across the net, friendship across the ocean "

Welcome to the International Club of Canada

Aims of the International Lawn Tennis Club of Canada

To promote friendship and sportsmanship in tennis between Canada and other countries by hosting tennis events with other IC countries and supporting tennis development in Canada by providing mentorship for young tennis players.

The first meeting of Active Members of the International Lawn Tennis Club of Canada was held at the Albany Club in Toronto on Wednesday, August 11, 1965, at 12.30 p.m. Laird Watt, the first president of the Club, was unable to attend and Gilbert Nunns chaired the meeting. In addition to Gilbert those attending the meeting in person or by proxy were familiar names in Canadian tennis history: Peter Barnard, John Bassett, Bob Barnard, François Godbout, Bruce Harrison, Sydney Hermant, Jim Macken, Harry Marpole and Walter Martin. Don Fontana, captain of the Club, agreed to approach the I.C. of the USA for a match in 1966. There were discussions of a black tie dinner, a match against a touring team from England and plans to participate in I.C. matches in Holland. The Canadian I.C. was up and operating. It had officially received “International Club” recognition just six weeks before, at the annual meeting of the Council of I.C.’s held each year during the fortnight of Wimbledon. It joined thirteen other nations with International Clubs, all existing with a common interest in the game of tennis.

The annual match with the USA Club has been the main regular event of the Club since that time, with matches alternating each year between the Donalda Club and various locations in the USA. The Piping Rock Club on Long Island, The Merion Cricket Club in Philadelphia, The West Side Tennis Club on Long Island. In 1971 the matches were divided in an open event competing for the Proctor Cup and a seniors event for the new Lawrence Baker Trophy. Women’s matches were included in the late 90’s and starting in the year 2000 teams will play for the Carole Graebner Trophy. 

There is no doubt that tournaments for the Windmill, Christiane Mercelis, and Columbus Trophies represent the highlights of the I.C. Movement. On these occasions many of the now 42 International Clubs meet in team competition. In these tournaments old friendships across the net and across the nations are renewed, and new ones made. Equally enjoyable are the I.C. Tours where teams of I.C. players tour other countries at the invitation of their I.C.’s, or host visiting teams.

This brief review of the Club’s history would not be complete without an expression of gratitude to the spirit behind the creation of the I.C. Club of Canada, the Late Bruce Harrison and those who have served on the Club’s executive, particularly its presidents: Laird Watt, Walter Martin, John Proctor, Jim Skelton, Frank Mott-Trille, Brian Flood and David Dimmer.

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IC Council News

November 2024
Meet a member: Helena Suková, IC of the Czech Republic

Meet a member: Helena Suková, IC of the Czech Republic

Former Czech professional tennis player Helena Suková enjoyed a successful career on the international stage, renowned for her finesse in both singles and doubles play. Born into a prominent Czech tennis family, she rose to fame during the 1980s and 1990s, achieving a career-high singles ranking of world No. 4 and capturing an impressive 14 Grand Slam doubles titles. In addition to the legacy of her illustrious career as a player, Helena has continued to contribute to the tennis world, particularly through her role in the IC of the Czech Republic.

Helena first got involved in the IC in December 1998, when some of her tennis colleagues from I.CLTK – the oldest tennis club in Czechoslovakia – asked if she would be willing to help re-establish the IC in the Czech Republic. The IC had been suspended since the Second World War and Helena took on the key role of gathering the necessary documentation and following the procedures to bring the Czech IC back to life. Upon achieving this, she took on the presidency of the IC of the Czech Republic, a role which she held for 25 years until stepping down this summer. From 2001 until 2008, she also served as a co-opted member of the IC Council.

“The thing I like most about being part of the IC is having friends all around the globe”, Helena says, reflecting on the lasting friendships she has built across the IC community. "Staying in touch with so many past players who, normally, you wouldn’t have the chance to meet anymore. It’s wonderful to be part of an organization that keeps the legend of the game alive."

Helena’s favourite IC moment was helping to establish the highly successful IC doubles event originally known as the "IC June in Prague." Now renamed the "IC Jiri Medonos Cup by Deloitte," this event has become a staple of the IC event calendar. "It has been a continuing success, and I hope it will take place for many years to come."

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