Tennis Events Raise Over €165,000 for Cancer Care in Ireland

Tennis events held across Ireland have successfully raised over €165,000 for cancer care, support, and research this year. The initiative, known as Tennis4Cancer, was launched by tennis coach Grace Owens, aiming to unite the tennis community in support of two key cancer charities: ARC Cancer Support Centres and the National Breast Cancer Research Institute. The funds raised will be evenly distributed between the two organizations.

Since its inception in 2019, local tennis clubs throughout Ireland have organized diverse fundraising activities ranging from coffee mornings to grand slam tournaments. The initiative was established in response to the impact of cancer on members of the tennis community. Currently, over 40 clubs are participating in the campaign, and Owens is proactively seeking additional clubs to join the cause.

Community Engagement and Future Goals

The Tennis4Cancer campaign has garnered official support from Tennis Ireland and Tennis Coach Ireland. Notably, former Irish No. 1 and ex-ATP Tour professional Conor Niland serves as the patron of the campaign. Owens expressed her gratitude for the enthusiastic response thus far, highlighting the importance of community engagement.

“In April, we held our ‘Tennis4Cancer Weekender’, which got our fundraising year off to a great start,” Owens stated. “It’s great to see the tennis community coming together to support these two great cancer charities, ARC and NBCRI, and I would love to have lots more clubs involved between now and the end of the year.”

Various clubs across Ireland have hosted a range of events to promote this initiative. More activities are anticipated as the year progresses, further increasing the potential for fundraising.

Impact of the Charities

The ARC Cancer Support Centres provide essential free professional support services, including counseling and complementary therapies, for adults and children affected by cancer, along with their families. The National Breast Cancer Research Institute focuses on funding groundbreaking research in breast cancer, with efforts centered at the Lambe Institute at the University of Galway.

With the momentum already established this year, the Tennis4Cancer initiative aims to continue rallying support from tennis clubs across the country. By fostering deeper community involvement, the campaign aspires to make a significant impact in the fight against cancer.