Tennis Canada and National Bank have partnered on a long-term equality strategy for the next ten years, which will create meaningful action and change for gender equality in tennis. The multi-faceted program is an important milestone of National Bank’s corporate partnership agreement and demonstrates the Bank’s deep and long-term support for the development of tennis in Canada.
As part of the initiative, Tennis Canada and National Bank will create new opportunities for women and girls in tennis, encouraging them to continue playing and enticing even more to pick up a racquet, become life-long participants, coaches and reap the benefits of an active lifestyle and personal growth through sport. As a recent study conducted by Canadian Women & Sport in partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities found, one in every three girls drops out of sport during adolescence compared to only one in 10 boys, while as many as 62% of Canadian girls do not participate in sport of any kind.
“Inclusion and diversity are core values at National Bank, and we’re very proud to be working with Tennis Canada on this landmark initiative,” said Lucie Blanchet, Executive Vice-President – Personal Banking and Client Experience at National Bank. “Participating in sports is great for physical and mental health and can have a positive impact on every aspect of our lives. That’s why we need to give women and girls at all levels an equal opportunity to reach their full potential through physical activity.”
Bianca Andreescu official ambassador of Girls. Set. Match.
Canadian tennis star and reigning National Bank Open presented by Rogers champion Bianca Andreescu has also been named as the first honorary Ambassador of the program.
“It is a true honour to be named the inaugural Ambassador of this program. I hope that through this work, we can inspire more women and girls to play tennis, lead a healthy lifestyle and even pursue a future in the sport, whether that be on the court or off it.”
– Bianca Andreescu