Serving sport and community through PISE
From tennis courts around the world to leading the Pacific Institute of Sports Excellence (PISE) in Greater Victoria, Robert Bettauer has left a mark on the world of sport. In episode five of the Vital Victoria Podcast, Bettauer joins host Lucky Budd to talk about his unique story: emigrating from West Berlin to Canada, his journey to becoming a professional tennis player and playing events like the Davis Cup and Wimbledon, becoming a national coach, covering tennis on national television, and his role developing sport across Canada. They then discuss the role of sports and recreation in Greater Victoria, the upcoming 55+ games and the importance of physical literacy for youth and PISE’s role in Greater Victoria.
Vital Signs Issue Area
In Greater Victoria’s 2021 Vital Signs Report, survey participants gave ‘Sports & Recreation’ a B+ grade (see pages 28-29).
Episode 5 Guest
Robert Bettauer: Bettauer is a former professional tennis player and current tennis broadcaster on Sportsnet and CEO of the Pacific Institute of Sports Excellence (PISE) in Victoria. Bettauer, born in West Berlin, grew up in Vancouver and played collegiate tennis for Pan American University before turning pro. As a player he won 30 provincial championships, 10 national titles, and continues playing to this day, including at the World Seniors Championships. He has extensive coaching experience including with the Davis Cup and with Canada’s National team, along with developing sport across Canada.