The International Tennis Clubs “Hands across the net, friendship across the ocean“ Fostering Friendship and Sportsmanship in International Tennis since 1924 The International Clubs G Index Page 01 G Forewords – Frank Sedgman, Virginia Wade, Michael Stich, Vijay Armitraj Page 02 G A Vision became Reality Page 03 G Objectives and Outcomes Pages 04 – 05 G Eminent IC members Pages 06 – 09 G Quotes from all Continents Pages 10 – 11 G A Heart for Children Page 12 G The IC Junior Challenge Page 13 G IC Weeks - A Brief History Page 14 G IC Weeks - Roll of Honour Page 15 G The Potter Cup Page 16 G US IC Jubilee Page 17 G Columbus Trophy in Japan / The Jean Borotra Sportsmanship Trophy Page 18 G Germany’s IC Nations Trophy Page 19 G Burundi Project Page 20 G The IC Ball Page 22 G IC Legends Page 23 G The Executive Committee of the IC Council Page 24 1 Forewords Frank Sedgman: “I am very proud and honoured to be Pre- sident of the IC Council. The Council is a true memorial of the International Club of Great Britain which was formed in 1924. Since that time the IC movement has expanded world wide with International Clubs now numbering 38 nations. And the ideals that were formed then have not changed since that time. Players who have played internationally can form friendships for life and with programmes that enable clubs to engage socially and competitively it enhances cementing international relationships. Activities within their own clubs also keep the spirit of past achievements alive and it is very important that the history of our great game is not lost. It is hoped the young players of today carry on the tradition the members of all the ICs have worked so hard to maintain.“ Frank Sedgman, President of the IC Council, at his 80th birthday Virginia Wade: Vijay Armitraj: Michael Stich: “I have always had very fond memories of “The IC is a very special body that I am “I am happy that I am able to address you my experiences with the IC. My first was proud to have been a part of for many as a member of the International Tennis when I was a junior and I was invited to years. The values of the IC, bringing people Club of Germany and as Vice President of play in a friendly match including some of together from different religions and cul- the Council. the best players in the country, an event tures, backgrounds and nationalities, crea- that was so inspiring to me. The IC has tes a wonderful friendship between coun- The goal of IC’s and the goal of all of us is continued to create so many occasions tries, something that has always been very to promote the game of tennis in the which incorporate experience and talent important to me. In the James Bond film world. It is one of the best sports that you along with a mix of ages. This has streng- “Octopussy”, I wore an IC scarf in one of can play and we have to make sure that thened the links in the chain from one the best scenes in the film, just another the beauty of our sport will be brought to generation of tennis players to the next testament to the reach and goodwill of the people across the world. and formed an enduring bond between IC. I look forward to the work of the IC in those of different countries.“ the future, helping to make the world a Please help us in our work and support the better place for the generations to come.“ game of tennis.” Virginia Wade, Vice-President Vijay Armitraj, Vice-President Michael Stich, Vice-President 2 A Vision became Reality We have to go back to the early 1920’s, the young gladiators of so many countries on the occasion of a visit by Borotra and years after World War I, when it was who met in serious but friendly rivalry at a French team to Philadelphia. The moti- simply good to be alive. It was the age of tournaments around the world each year. vator for the flapper and Charleston, a time when chival- Another who influenced him in this direc- formation ry was reborn in the almost conscious tion was Lord Balfour, a former Prime and first effort to banish the painful memories of Minister of GB (1902–1905). Balfour was Hon. Secre- conflict. Among those most concerned to keenly interested in tennis and believed tary was the restore faith in the value of international that nations should come closer together. former US friendship and the essential goodness of Wallis Myers knew Balfour quite well and Davis Cup man was a respected tennis journalist. For had expressed his intention to form some captain, Fritz many years A. Wallis Myers had been the sort of club or society to cement the infor- Eugene Dixon. mal ties which bound together the young Dwight Davis became tennis players of all lands. Balfour per- the first Hon. President. suaded him to act. In 1931 the Austrian IC was On 26th November 1924 the Interna- formed, followed by the IC of tional Lawn Tennis Club of Great Holland. The Czechs were the Britain was founded at an inaugural next to form a club, which they meeting attended by some 50 leading did in 1933, and four years later international British players, held at the the Swedes followed. Thus, Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, and before the outbreak of World presided by Sir Leonard Lyle. Lord War II, there were already 7 clubs Balfour became the Club’s first in existence. Many clubs fol- President, Sir Leonard Lyle was lowed after the war. Their ar- the first Chairman of the IC rivals are shown later on a and Myers himself the first Hon. page with all flags and stripes. Secretary. Today, the IC family consists of 38 clubs and some 4’500 The second members. IC to be founded Their vibrant activity proves was the IC beyond doubt the validity of of France in Wallis Myers’ original concept 1929. Jean Boro- that sports and tennis, at highest tra, the Wimbledon level, have all the finest things of champion of 1924 and competition about it. Although 1926, was the driving man is indeed a combative ani- force and first chair- mal, the better side of human man. Two of his fel- nature requires him to respect his low “Musketeers” opponent and afterwards to join also held office. with him in social union. The spirit René Lacoste of IC tennis is perfectly described in a A. Wallis Myers became the wonderful poem of Sir Henry Newbolt first captain with the words … lawn tennis correspondent of the Daily and “Toto” Telegraph and the lawn tennis editor of The Brugnon Field magazine. He was also a good tennis the first Hon. player, who loved to compete with the Treasurer. ..... To set the cause above cream of the European society including renown, King Gustav V of Sweden. The Americans followed To love the game beyond It was during this period that an idea be- one year gan to crystallise in the mind of Wallis later the price ... Myers, developing out of conversations The modern IC movement remains a testa- with Dwight Davis, the donor of the Davis ment to the vision of our founder Cup. Surely, thought Myers, there should A. Wallis Myers, who all of us salute. be some way of nurturing and preserving Jean Borotra the camaraderie that existed between the J. Barrett / A. Kurucz 3 Objectives and Outcomes As we say farewell to the “noughties“ and The quadrilateral events, sometimes invol- The objective of involving young players reflect on the challenges which face the ving Golf, include the Wallenberg Trophy carries a more important message. Young world, it is encouraging to find elements in introduced by Sweden where four nations boys and girls who have set their sights on sport that embrace the better aspects of play a mixed match annually. The French an international tennis career, often know man’s ability to endure nation to nation. have recently incorporated, in memory of little of the history of tennis and play very Robert Abdessalam, the former French IC few team matches. We ensure that in some President and Davis Cupper, a trophy bi-lateral matches some of the more pro- for countries with which he was most mising young players take part in these closely associated, involving on a perma- matches. In addition, in 2004 we intro- nent basis Belgium and Spain, with one duced the IC Junior Challenge, where invited nation. teams of boys and girls of 16 and under representing their countries take part in The Council of ICs, which administers the elimination competitions on their conti- family of International Clubs worldwide, nent, followed by a finals at a different oversees a series of events which Clubs venue. The boys and girls travel as host on a regular basis, usually to celebra- a team and experience the pleasure of te an important anniversary. These include performing where interdependency is key. the Windmill Trophy (for players under 45 Now, 85 years old, the International Clubs They are made aware of the requirements and veterans 45 and over); the Mercelis have aims and objectives that have of ‘fair play’ within the community of Trophy (for lady players under 40 and evolved to meet the needs of a changing sport. In this way, we seek to achieve our ladies 40 and over); the Potter Cup (for society and to ensure that the Clubs fourth major objective.