David Scrapneck named new Tennis Manitoba president

After eight years in the role, Mohamed Ismath has announced his resignation as Tennis Manitoba president. TMB would like to thank Mohamed for his commitment and dedication to making tennis in Manitoba better for everyone.

“My fellow board members and I worked hard to improve our governance, financial sustainability and increase participation,” said Mohamed.

“I’m very proud of strengthening the operations of TMB and securing funding for a five-court tennis facility in West St. Paul . I’m also proud of the work we did to take over the Deer Lodge tennis facility. I’m thankful for the support I’ve received from the board, executive director, the membership and the tennis community at large.”

Mohamed is set to join Tennis Canada’s board of directors.

“What Mohamed has done for Tennis Manitoba is extraordinary. His commitment to raising the awareness and participation of tennis in our province is unmatched,” said TMB executive director Mark Arndt.

“Through the years I had to keep reminding Mohamed that he is a volunteer and not a paid employee working a 40 hour week because he was so committed to his role. We were truly spoiled having Mohamed as a part of our association. Tennis Canada’s board is gaining a valuable asset.”

TMB’s new president is David Scrapneck. David brings a wealth of experience to the position as he’s been involved in various capacities over the years.

“I look forward to what can and will be achieved by Tennis Manitoba under the leadership of our incoming president, David Scrapneck,” Arndt said.

“David’s knowledge of the sport is vast and being a member of the local tennis community for many years will serve him well as we embark on a new era for tennis in our province.

To get to know David better, TMB conducted a Q+A with the new president.

Congrats on becoming the new president of Tennis Manitoba! Why is this a position you’re interested in?
Tennis is a growing sport, and it is also a life sport. I have been President at Kildonan Tennis Club 2012 -2021, as well as 1988-1991, And a board member on TM for the last ~16 years, mostly as Chair of Competitive structures. I have been a professional Tennis Official with TC, ATP, WTA, having trained for the Pan Am Games (since 1996) being chosen to do service line in the Gold Medal matches. I worked in the men’s and women’s  championship matches every year at Rogers Cup. Amongst many tournament including David &Fed Cup. I officiated the likes of Agassi, Sampras, Roderick, Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, the Williams Sisters, Anna Kournikova etc. often in championship matches. My late wife and I used to train at Bollettieri academy in Bradenton for a week every second year for 12 years, plus at many other academies. I have successfully directed tournaments such as the Manitoba Open. I have chaired tournaments at most of our local events, Canada Games across our great country. My whole family loved tennis. Does it strike you that I have an interest in tennis? When I was approached and asked if I would accept a nomination to be president, it seemed a logical stepping stone in my tennis story, so I said yes.

What do you hope to accomplish in the role?
I hope to continue supporting the growth of tennis in Manitoba (and across Canada). I would like to foster improvements in our support for  grassroots tennis up to hi-performance tennis. Hopefully we can continue to improve our training and improve programs to develop better and better players, perhaps even champions, even if that occurs after my tenure. Maintaining and growing our relationships with the local tennis community, including the private clubs.
Keeping up the momentum of tennis is good for all of us as it is a lifetime sport. I want to keep TMB healthy both financially and with cohesion through respect and engagement.

What do you love about tennis and the local tennis community?
I have loved tennis locally as it develops friendships and comraderie while satisfying a competitive spirit.  I have played at most Manitoba tournaments over the years and loved the opportunity to meet others, again developing friendships for life. This sport gives and gives, and I love it.