The Swansea Tennis Club was started in 1970 by Swansea resident Iryna Bartkiw.

 

Iryna spearheaded the formation of a neighborhood women’s tennis league to encourage community spirit and fitness among a group, primarily at home raising families.  Three poorly maintained and unlit tennis courts confronted the group, who quickly realized that no one in the community (children adults, casual players or competitive players) had a suitable facility to play.  At personal risk to themselves, a mortgage was arranged by the early enthusiasts to install lighting.

 

The support from the community along with much persuasion was enough to convince the City of Toronto to build a fourth court and the Swansea Tennis Club became one of the early community tennis clubs that now dot the City.  The initiative and vision of Iryna and her group of tennis enthusiasts formed the foundation for 50+ years of well-organized tennis playing and instruction in Swansea. 

 

Her forethought and initiative continues today and for years to come.