Fabi Tournament 2026 – Celebrating Joe, Competition, and Community
Another successful Fabi Tournament is in the books! Held yesterday, Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Marshall’s Tennis Courts in Vernon, this year’s event once again honoured the life, passion, and legacy of our dear friend and Vernon Tennis Association co‑founder, Joe Fabi.
Joe’s love of tennis and dedication to building our local tennis community inspired this tournament from the very beginning. For many of us, playing on these courts in his memory feels like a natural extension of the spirit he brought to every match, every meeting, and every moment he spent supporting the game he loved.
A Colourful Day of Doubles Tennis
This year’s format brought together four colour-coded teams— Red, Blue, Orange, and Green—each made up of five players. With participants ranging from 3.5 to 4.0 NTRP levels, the day offered a perfect mix of friendly rivalry and high-quality doubles tennis, as players rotated partners and opponents across the courts.
The atmosphere was energetic from the first serve to the last point: quick exchanges at the net, well-placed serves, and plenty of spirited rallies under the late-summer Okanagan sun.
Champions: Team Blue Takes the Title
After a full day of competition, Team Blue emerged as the tournament champions. The winning squad consisted of:
- Karthik Lakshmi Narayanan
- Sean Irvin
- Leslie Irvinapps
- Kate Johnson
- Paul Lawson
Their consistent play, smart court coverage, and great team chemistry earned them the top spot—and a sweet reward: complimentary Tim Hortons gift cards for each team member.
Food, Fellowship, and Looking Ahead to 2027
As the final points were played, everyone gathered for a relaxed burger barbecue, sharing stories from the day’s matches and reflecting on what makes this tournament so special. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about coming together as a tennis community to celebrate Joe’s legacy, enjoy great company, and keep the spirit of the game alive in Vernon.
By the end of the day, one thing was clear: players are already looking forward to the next Fabi Tournament, scheduled for 2027.
