The WTA Foundation and Special Olympics Ontario brought inclusive tennis to the National Bank Open in Toronto on August 5, hosting a clinic that placed 16 Special Olympics athletes on the courts at Sobeys Stadium. The event paired the athletes with four-time Grand Slam champion Gabriela Dabrowski, a Canadian player and Special Olympics International Global Ambassador.
How did the clinic unfold?
Dabrowski played alongside the Special Olympics athletes and shared her expertise throughout the session. According to the WTA Foundation, the clinic created a welcoming environment designed to give participants direct experience of the game with one of Canada's top tennis stars. The event demonstrated how professional tennis can be used as a platform for inclusive community engagement.
Why does this matter?
The clinic reflects broader efforts by the WTA to use its tournaments and players to support grassroots and adaptive tennis initiatives. By hosting the event during a marquee Canadian tournament, the WTA Foundation and Special Olympics Ontario expanded access to the sport for athletes who might otherwise have limited opportunity to train on professional-grade courts or interact with elite players.
The National Bank Open continues through the tournament schedule, with the clinic serving as one of several community-focused activations tied to the event.