Another group of Coast volunteers has made a dream come true.
About 100 people gathered at the Suncoast Racquet Club in Sechelt last Saturday to cut the ribbon, celebrate and enjoy the sport of tennis indoors.
"We did it. We really did it," excited MC Friedl Brudermann declared.
"When we look at what you have here, it's magnificent. You deserve great credit for keeping people active and it's a benefit that people young and old can enjoy," added Sechelt Mayor Cam Reid.
Reid said the club has been very professional with every presentation they gave council regarding the dream, the construction and final update on the indoor facility. Coun. Ed Steeves was also present and said the District of Sechelt put $50,000 towards the building. The club fundraised the rest and many of the 100 members put in labour during construction, said board member and architect designer Ralph Meyer.
The club has a 20-year renewable lease on the land with the District. Reid said when the golf course land was cleared, money from it was set aside for recreational activities in the area, which the tennis club fits. The club is located next door to Kinnikinnick Elementary School on Lighthouse Avenue.
"Mother Nature has shown how very valuable it is to have an indoor, waterproof facility, as the day was filled with heavy rain and wind," board member Ron Kydd told the audience assembled for the opening.
The club has also recently hired a coach to work with club members and the public, including school groups. Jacques Joyal is a certified Tennis Canada coach and came from a position at a Vancouver club to lead Suncoast Racquet Club's lessons.
"For the first time, we have what it takes to create a real tennis club on the Coast with kids and adults. We are starting from scratch," Joyal said. "Although it is member-owned, its intent is to bring the community inside and offer an opportunity for those who can't afford membership."
Negotiated into the deal with the District, the club will offer 15 per cent of its booking time for public use, Meyer said. Lois Kerr, director of events for Tennis B.C., addressed the crowd.
"I think this is historic and you should be extremely proud to be founding members," said Kerr. "There is a lack of tennis facilities and indoor facilities all over [B.C.]."
Joyal is eager to begin coaching youths and said Tennis Canada has followed suit with other sports in adapting equipment. He said he would coach children as young as five.
"The science of tennis has improved. We use a systematic approach called the Progressive Method to teach, using smaller racquets, foam balls and smaller courts," Joyal said.
All tennis players who want to compete in the club's first open tournament, scheduled for Nov. 21, 22 and 23, can phone 604-885-9640 or 604-886-2691. To book lessons with Joyal or public court time, call 604-741-7858.
