Tennis Canada has bestowed its highest honour – the Distinguished Service Award – upon York University for making an outstanding impact on the sport in this country.
The award was presented Tuesday, York Day at the 2006 Rogers Cup tournament. In a ceremony at centre court at the Rexall Centre just before the evening game, Michael S. Downey, president and chief executive 
officer of Tennis Canada, presented a plaque to Lorna R. Marsden, York president & vice-chancellor, and Gary Brewer, York vice-president, finance & administration.
Right: Tennis Canada’s Michael Downey (left) presents plaque to York President Lorna Marsden and York VP Gary Brewer
This year, Tennis Canada celebrates the 125th anniversary of the first Canadian Open Tennis Championship. The 2006 Rogers Cup also commemorates the 30th anniversary of the first tournament held at York University.
“York has always valued its association with Tennis Canada and the role it has played in our community over the last three decades,” says Marsden. “The Rexall Centre has also been a wonderful new addition, serving as a stage for the prestigious Rogers Cup and as a facility for community tennis programs, children’s camps and year-round recreational and varsity programs.”
York was a key supporter of the development of the initial tennis centre in 1985. The additions included an office building, more tennis courts and a bubble to provide a year-round training centre and permanent residence for Tennis Canada. Over the years, the University has supported other tennis events on campus including Davis Cup junior and senior events.
“The relationship between York University and Tennis Canada has continued to flourish throughout the past 30 years,” said Downey. “York was also a primary partner and supporter of the relocation and actively involved in the design, development and construction of this world-class Rexall Centre that opened in July, 2004. We continue to develop new joint projects that will enhance the University and local communities.”