Sarnia Hosts Memorial Tennis Event for Justin Bourassa

Justin Bourassa dedicated a lot of time to playing, coaching, and promoting tennis in his hometown of Sarnia.

Almost five years after he passed away, friends and family believe that an annual memorial tournament has become one of the best ways to celebrate his life while helping grow the sport he was passionate about.

“He liked growing the game locally from people who never touched a tennis racket to the other side of the spectrum,” said Matt Mueller, a friend of Bourassa’s who was also coached by him. “He really cared about the community and about his people.”

Bourassa, 29, died in a hospital in October 2021 after being fatally shot by a London police officer during an encounter. In May of this year, an inquest determined his death was a homicide and provided recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents.

His passing shocked his hometown, where he was well known in both local tennis and francophone circles.

Mueller started the Justin Bourassa Memorial Tennis Tournament in 2024 to honor his friend’s life and continue a dream they had shared together.

“Justin always wanted to have a tournament that brought players from out of town because we don’t have a whole lot of high level tennis in Sarnia,” said Mueller.

“We began planning it, then COVID happened and shortly after that he passed away without seeing it come to fruition. So after he was gone, I thought what better way to keep his memory alive than through this tournament.”

An undated photo of Justin Bourassa holding a tennis racket. His mom says a 10-year-old Bourassa became interested in tennis after watching a match on TV and the following summer, was competing in a provincial championship. (Submitted by Lorraine Bourassa)

This year marks the third edition of the Justin Bourassa Memorial Tennis Tournament which has expanded from its grassroots origins into one of Ontario’s largest amateur tennis events. It received official sanctioning from both the Ontario Tennis Association and Tennis Canada at the Open 1000 level-the highest amateur tournament ranking available in Canada.

This year’s event kicks off on Wednesday with an impressive $15,000 prize purse, drawing players from all over North America to compete. The tournament also features local vendors, family-friendly activities, as well as silent auctions and raffles for quarter-final box seat tickets to the U. S. Open.

The proceeds from this weeklong event will support Love-All-a foundation started by Bourassa’s family aimed at providing kids with rackets, assisting players with lessons and certifications while promoting tennis within Sarnia-Lambton.

‘He shaped who I am’

Matt Mueller, left, is a former tennis student of Justin Bourassa. The two became close friends off the court and Mueller is now continuing Bourassa’s dream of hosting a tennis tournament to grow the sport in Sarnia, Ont. (Submitted by Matt Mueller.)

Mueller first met Bourassa when he was just 14 years old; what started as lessons quickly evolved into strong friendship.

“He was like a big brother to me,” said Mueller. “We spent hundreds if not thousands hours on court playing together, coaching together, training together-we traveled to tournaments side-by-side-he very much shaped who I am.”

Bourassa’s mother Lorraine mentioned that she still meets people whose lives her son impacted positively.

“It warms my heart-almost every day someone comes up saying ‘I know who you are or I knew Justin’, or they share stories about his kindness,” said Lorraine.

“Justin had friendships across generations; there were young kids that knew him alongside older folks who’ve become friends with me now.”

LISTEN | Keeping Justin Bourassa’s legacy alive through tennis:

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The Justin Bourassa Memorial Tournament starts this week in Sarnia; Matt Mueller-Bourassa’s close friend-and former student-is directing it while sharing insights about both competition details and honoring their cherished friend.

Bourassa found his passion for tennis at age ten after watching matches on television; soon afterward his mom enrolled him along with siblings into lessons-and before long he was competing at provincial championships during summer breaks.</P

Eventually competing across Ontario as well as various tournaments throughout United States led him towards earning coaching certification allowing him teach locally at clubs plus through City programs offered within Sarnia area.</P

A memorial bench situated at local club carries an inscription stating: “Happiest on court-a kid at heart loved by all.”</P

Lorraine feels these words truly encapsulate her son’s spirit completely!</PLorraine Bourassa alongside her late husband sitting on their son Justin’s dedicated bench; its inscription reads “Happiest on court-a kid at heart loved by all.” (Submitted by Lorraine Bourassa)

Bourassas’ sister Michelle finds comfort witnessing hundreds gather each summer reminds them how far-reaching her brother’s influence remains alive today!</P

“This tournament represents one great way we could pay tribute toward honoring Justin,” she explained further “For us as family it offers chance turning grief something beautiful & meaningful! Seeing everyone come together reassures us all-Justin’s impact continues thriving!”</P

Additionally noting how much effort put into making accessible made sure would feel proud regarding growth observed surrounding these events happening annually here today!</P

Touched emotionally yet bursting pride knowing he’ll forever remembered via venue brought him such happiness means everything.”

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