Grimsby TC honours volunteers

At its recent annual meeting, the Grimsby Tennis Club presented recognition awards to two outstanding volunteers who have served the club over the course of the past two decades.

Bruce Childs was a volunteer at a Toronto community tennis club years ago. As a tribute to his volunteer spirit, the OTA Board resolved to name a club award in his memory and recognize the invaluable service provided to our sport by volunteers. The award is presented to dedicated club volunteers who make an outstanding contribution to their community tennis club over an extended period of time.

Thanks to Ron Mauro for these testimonials. They remind us of the remarkable transformations that have taken place in our clubs because of technology, and also of something that remains constant and unchanging – that being the value and importance of social gatherings alongside our tennis games.

Andy Fraser served on the Executive Board for over 10 years including in the role of Vice President. He took on the Membership portfolio at a time when we didn’t have a software program to manage memberships. Everything was on paper and the data entered manually. Over his 5 year term, Andy took on the responsibility to computerize the process. Andy segued into the Tournament Director over for the next 5 years, during which time he ran very successful recreational Club and OTA Regional tournaments, and club championships. Andy also contributed to the success of the ITF Wheelchair Tennis Tournament by serving on one of the sub-committees.

Mary Lou Mauro served on the Executive Board for well over a decade in the role of Social Director. Mary Lou worked closely with the Tournament Director to complement each tournament and Event with fun activities and snacks and refreshments. Mary Lou was also a critical member for the ITF Janco Steel Wheelchair Tournament which brought wheelchair athletes from over a dozen countries. Mary Lou was responsible for organizing meals and a banquet for athletes, coaches and volunteers. Most importantly, Mary Lou continued to volunteer after she stepped down from the Executive