Published July 24 2018

Sunny blue skies were served up for the third annual Maple Leaf/Haliburton Triples Tennis Tournament on Tuesday July 17 at Rotary Park.
Because of its three-on-three format the one-day event organized by  Maple Leaf Golf and Country Club members Greg Freeman and Jeff Papiez is unlike any other in the Highlands.
“The tournament is a popular draw but in addition the feedback that we have gotten is that everyone loves Haliburton and the surrounding Highlands and lakes so it makes for a lovely mid-summer getaway” Freeman wrote in an email before the tournament.
The three-on-three format allows for greater participation at one time.
“This is a new game to most of our Haliburton friends and we have had fun teaching them the fundamentals of this version of tennis” Freeman said.

There were 48 players divided among 16 teams.
The majority of the players are members of the tennis club at the Maple Leaf Golf and Country Club based in Port Charlotte Florida. Twelve players are members of the Monday Wednesday and Friday tennis group based in Haliburton. Many of the club’s members are Canadian snowbirds. Freeman said some of the competitors came from as far away as Michigan New York and Quebec. Many will stay for the week and longer he added either in motels or billeted for Monday and Tuesday nights.
More than 50 people came from out of town including competitors’ spouses and others.

New to the tournament this year was a championship match between the winners of the A side and winners of the B side. The morning featured A competition from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and then B competition played from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The winning team included Jim Pauls Jack Harney and Heather Reid who are members of the Maple Leaf club.
Appreciation was extended to Dysart’s recreation co-ordinator Andrea Mueller and all of the parks and recreation staff for their “terrific support” in helping with organizing and preparing for the event.

Freeman said a fourth instalment of the tournament is highly likely based on feedback he received.
“For six hours we heard lots of fun and laughter from the retirees whether they actively participated in the competitive tennis tournament or were a spectator. The 50 out-of-town guests really enjoy coming to Haliburton for the few days and experiencing the beautiful surroundings and warm hospitality. Given the number who expressed a desire to return next year I suspect that there will be a fourth annual Maple Leaf/Haliburton Triples Tennis Tournament” Freeman said.
– Staff