For the past 25 years, a group of avid tennis players have been gathering in Penetanguishene each summer to not only play some competitive matches, but also share a lot of laughter.

The laughter will no doubt continue, when the 2008 Midland Tours Invitational Tennis Tournament takes July 5 place at the four courts in Penetanguishene.

Tournament action will begin at 8:30 p.m. and run until approximately 4:30 p.m. with courts at Memorial Park and Maguire Park pressed into service.

In the event of rain, tournament action will move to July 6.

As he has for the past number of years, Mike Hamelin is serving as the event’s tournament director.
Founded originally as the Penetang-Midland Coach Lines (PMCL) Invitational by the Dubeau brothers, John and Brian, along with Hamelin, the tournament has always attracted solid players.

“On a scale of one to five, the level of play at the tournament is probably at about a 3.5, so it pretty competitive,” said Brian Dubeau, a veteran of tournament action.

Combined, Brian and John Dubeau have 110 years of playing experience in the sport.

Following the sale of PMCL nine years ago, the tournament was renamed after the current sponsor Midland Tours.

“Years ago, we put up money and brought in players from as away as Kingston,” said Dubeau.

This year players from Wasaga Beach, Orillia, Collingwood and Barrie will take the courts for the one-day event.

“The social aspects of the sport are great. We have business people coming out and four lovely courts in Penetanguishene and playing because they love the sport,” said Dubeau.

Primarily a doubles tournament open to men and women, the July event draws from a wide geographical area and the calibre of play is strong.

“This year were hoping to increase the number of women taking part,” said Dubeau.

Entries are still being accepted for the July 5 tournament.

Anyone wishing to enter a doubles team in the tournament is asked to contact Mike Hamelin at 526-3113 or Brian Dubeau at 549-4044.