A memorial fund has been set up to honour the memory of a beloved professional tennis player and instructor with the Sarnia Tennis Club.
The Love All Justin Bourassa Memorial Fund, established by Justin's parents, is aimed at supporting the growth and development of tennis in Sarnia-Lambton.
Sarnia Community Foundation Executive Director Marc Guilbeault said $10,000 in grants are available this year, and the fund will continue for years to come.
"This fund is certainly the first of its kind in our organization. It's very difficult for young athletes to source funding and the cost of sport is very expensive which makes it accessible only to certain individuals," said Guilbeault. "These kinds of support lines and grants will enable certain players to get to an elite level and will also open the sport to others who may otherwise not get to play."
Guilbeault said Dr. J. Marc and Lorraine Bourassa have already made a significant contribution to the fund.
"In addition to being a registered message therapist, he was a teacher," he said. "He taught junior tennis players, mentored them all the way from a grassroots beginner level to an elite level. He also was a cyclist and long distance runner but, at the end of the day, he was happiest on the tennis court."
For more information, and to apply, visit www.sarniacommunityfoundation.ca. Donations to the Love All Justin Bourassa Memorial Fund can be made at love-all.ca.
Justin Bourassa, 29, was fatally shot by London police on October 28, 2021, on Richmond Street.
The Ontario Special Investigations Unit continues to look into the case.