IC French Open Cocktail Reception

Paris IC Evening
Mark Winters

The threatening clouds and accompanying gloom that covered Paris most of the day on May 26th were transformed late in the afternoon when the IC French Open Cocktail Reception took place. The gathering, held at the Le Roland-Garros restaurant, brightened a portion of the storied almost twenty-one acre facility (Stade Roland Garros) that opened in 1928. In short, it was an apt location for a special tennis reception in the City of Light (La Ville Lumière).

The reference was fitting based on the illustrious tennis luminaries on hand. As is always is the case, at the annual soirée, Thierry Pham, International Club of France President, was the Master of Ceremonies, and he was colloquially eloquent. He warmly greeted the attendees, reminding everyone that through tennis long-lasting friendships are developed, as well as opportunities to leave a telling mark in the sport. Jean Gachassin, Fédération Française de Tennis President, also offered a collection of entertaining comments.

Among the USIC members on hand were Mark Lindblom, Jim Lowenstein, USIC President Dan Waldman and his wife, Joanne, along with Mark Winters and his wife, Cheryl Jones.  

From a historical standpoint, Jean Borotra, one of the storied Musketeers, founded the French IC in 1929. The US and Netherlands followed in 1931. Czechoslovakia became a member in 1933, and Sweden in 1937. That led to a select group of other nations joining the respected organization, and currently, thirty-four countries have ICs.
Borotra, who passed away in 1994, was an elegant tennis ambassador and his spirit most certainly appreciated the camaraderie of members from far and wide that was evidenced on May 26th.

Dan and Joanne Waldman with Mark Lindblom Photo Mark Winters

Mark Lindblom, Jim Lowenstein and Mark Winters Photo Cheryl Jones