Barry Wright/The Independent

A tennis tournament near and dear to Petrolia’s Matt Mueller is on this week at the Sarnia Tennis Club.

Mueller is the lead organizer for the Justin Bourassa Memorial Tournament in honour of his friend and mentor who was shot and killed by police in London in Oct. 2021.

Play began Wednesday and continues through Sunday.

The tournament, according to its website, is a celebration of tennis, community and the enduring legacy of Bourassa.

“Built in his memory, the event brings together players from across Canada and the US for an unforgettable week of matches, sportsmanship, and connection.”

The tournament began as a small community tribute and is now Ontario’s largest amatuer tennis tournament officially sanctioned by both the Ontario Tennis Association and Tennis Canada.

Petrolia’s Yarko Zelenchuk plays his first match in the round of 64 Open Draw on Wednesday at 6:30. Sarnia’s Chimnay Damani’s first match is Wednesday at 5 pm.

While the tournament is in honour of Bourassa, it also offers big prize money with $15,000 up for grabs.

Several professional players will be on hand, including players from some of the top NCAA programs and others who compete on the ATP professional tour.

Organizers say the tournament is as much a community festival as it is a sporting event. Admission is free and there are many interactive displays for spectators including the Ontario Tennis Association Smash Cage and a One-Point tournament.

There will also be a silent auction to benefit the Love All: Justin Bourassa Foundation. It supports youth tennis development and community programming.

The tournament is on all weekend at the Sarnia Tennis Club.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome players from all over North America to Sarnia this July,” said Mueller in a news release.

“The level of talent coming to our courts this year is truly unlike anything this city has ever seen and we can’t wait to share that with the entire community.”