Oak Bay, B.C. -- Junior athletes from around the world are in Oak Bay for an International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior Tennis Tournament, being held at Oak Bay Recreation Centre this week.

The ITF World Tennis Junior Tour provides players 18 and under the opportunity develop their talent while travelling to tournaments across the world. This ITF Junior Tournament at Oak Bay Recreation Centre will feature both singles and doubles events and run Oct. 16 (Monday) to 21 (Saturday). The tournament will see players travelling from across Canada, the United States of America and from as far as China, Romania, Iran, Sweden, Australia, India and Ukraine.

“Not only does this tournament feature top tennis talent, but it will also help inspire youth in our Oak Bay Recreation tennis programs,” said Simon Vickers, Tennis and Pickleball Program Supervisor at Oak Bay Recreation. “It’s also a chance for residents to watch high-quality tennis in their own community.”

The tournament is open to the public with main draws taking place until Friday (8 am to 8 pm) and the finals taking place Saturday (9 am and 6 pm). Approximately 100 junior players will be taking part in the tournament alongside coaches and family attending. There will be no charge for members of the public to watch.

“Tennis is an integral part of Oak Bay’s active community, and it’s exciting to have this caliber of tournament come to our community,” said Oak Bay Mayor Kevin Murdoch. “Along with bringing players and families from across the world to Oak Bay, it will energize a sport for all ages in our community.”

Main draws for the ITF Junior Tournament at Oak Bay Recreation will be posted on the ITF website. This is the first of two ITF tournaments coming to Oak Bay Recreation, with an ITF Masters tournament scheduled for November 8 to 12.