Jim Fleck O.C.

Major Accomplishments

Chair of the Tennis Canada Board of Directors from 1991 to 1995
Member of the Tennis Canada Board of Directors for 11 years
Instrumental in the creation of the new Jarry Park tennis facility in Montreal
During his tenure, and for the first time, Tennis Canada was able to contribute funds directly to the provincial tennis associations for human resource assistance

Biography

Jim Fleck is a Tennis Canada benefactor and proud supporter of Canadian tennis. Fleck has been a tennis player and supporter of the game for much of his life. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Tennis Canada from 1987 to 1998 sitting as chair from 1991 to 1995 and Vice Chair from 1989 to 1991. During his eleven years on the Board, Tennis Canada went through an enormous period of change and development. As Chair, one of the major projects on the Tennis Canada agenda was the creation of the new Jarry Park tennis facility. Fleck’s business expertise helped to ensure the project was completed on time and within budget. Jim also played a leadership role in refocusing the operations of the Canadian Opens events such that profits of the combined events climbed from less than $1,000,000 to well over $2,000,000.

For the first time, Tennis Canada was able to contribute funds directly to the provincial associations for human resource assistance and developmental programs. There were numerous threats that occupied much of the Board’s time including two large issues, tobacco legislation and concerns over the Canadian Open sanctions. Fleck’s business sense helped to navigate these waters as well as directing the organization towards a more corporate approach to governance.

Fleck’s influence in Canada as well as internationally has added to the importance of Tennis Canada. Fleck donated what is the largest gift in Tennis Canada’s history in the amount of $500,000. He donated $350,000 to be devoted to the cost of the Rexall Centre at York University which was built in 2004. Rather than dedicate this contribution in his own name he has asked that the stadium in the new facility be named annually after the current Canadian Player of the Year. The remaining amount of his donation in the sum of $150,000 was designated to the development of Canada’s players as they strive to achieve international success.

Fleck and his wife, Margaret established an award called the “Fleck Family Excellence Fund” to support young Canadian talent and those players who are trying to achieve a Top 50 singles ranking on either the WTA or the ATP. The purpose of this fund is to allow the players to Tour level coaching.