Champagne-Ardenne's leading tennis tournament in terms of the number of people enrolled takes place each year in November and December on 25 covered courts throughout the conurbation (8 sites). Open to all-comers (permit-holders or not) and all age categories. A spotlight for young talents.
Performing at all levels
As for all sporting events put on by Reims city authority, this tournament is open to everyone. From children (8+) to veterans (35+), beginners to elite players, everyone is invited to take part and surpass him or herself.
In order to associate competitive and amateur sports sectors, two types of tournament are linked:
• A French Tennis Federation tournament, ex-category
• A Solidarity tournament organised in partnership with UFOLEP (a physical education organisation).
It should be pointed out that the two federations share things in common. The UFOLEP tournament is at one and the same time a recreational tournament since non-permit holders can enrol and a solidarity tournament since enrolments go towards financing sporting events in various districts of Reims.
Training young people
Youngsters are well catered for by the Tournament, in line with the city authority's desire to develop a systematic training policy in the sporting arena, either through competitions it organises, its school-time or out-of-school activities, or providing incentives for local clubs to develop activities along these lines themselves.
Thus, for the past 4 years, the Reims' Tournament has hosted pre-qualification rounds for the prestige Petits As tournament of Tarbes (world tournament for 12-14 year olds ranked No.1 in the category by the European Tennis Association) which saw the emergence in particular of Rafael Nadal, Richard Gasquet, Paul-Henri Matthieu, Justine Henin-Hardenne and Kim Clijsters.
Equality between men & women
One of the particularities of the Reims Tournament is equal prize money for men and women, something which is still rare in France but is beginning to make headway in sporting circles!
Mobilising the conurbation's sporting movement
In addition to the City of Reims authorities, the event is organised in partnership with all the conurbation's clubs:
Cormontreuil T.C., Europe Club, T.C. Géo André, T.C. de Reims, T.R.C. Muire and U.R.T.. C.R.E.P.S. and R.E.M.S. (municipal sports facilities authority) also provide structural help.
The sporting movement also sees to producing the tables per category and per level, appoints the umpire and ensures arbitration with regards to the final table.
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