WINNIPEG, MB. – Your opportunity to watch rising global tennis stars is almost upon us. Polar Tennis Management is proud to announce its partnership with National Bank in hosting the Winnipeg National Bank Challenger presented by Manshield. The tennis tournament will be held at Winnipeg Lawn Tennis Club from August 22-30 and is sanctioned by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). “National Bank has supported tennis development in Canada for many years and is proud to join the Winnipeg National Bank Challenger as a title sponsor,” explained Jon Kilfoyle, Vice-President and Regional Manager, Prairies at National Bank Financial. “The National Bank Challenger series now includes five events. Our involvement in the Winnipeg tournament allows us to broaden our support for tennis players while reaffirming our commitment to the region, where the Bank has been present for more than 120 years.” The women’s is a tier two tour event representing players on the verge of breaking into the highest level of international tennis. The men’s is a tier three event with seasoned and newly professional players crisscrossing the world in search of their next big break. The Winnipeg National Bank Challenger also offers local tennis players the opportunity to challenge themselves and advance their careers. Tournament founder and chair Mark Arndt stated “We are extremely excited to team with National Bank. The partnership enables us to strengthen an already solid foundation built over the past three years of hosting pro tennis in Winnipeg. National Bank’s presence allows the tournament to be positioned as a world wide leader on the ITF Challenger and Futures circuit”. The Winnipeg National Bank Challenger is currently the sixth largest professional tennis tournament in Canada. The admission is free to watch athletes vie for world ranking points and winnings of $40,000.