Bettauer balances teaching, broadcasting and coaching while celebrating his 10th Canadian title
Robert Bettauer has spent his life in sport, but there’s still a special thrill in hearing his name called as a national champion.
The Oak Bay resident and CEO of the Pacific Institute for Sport Education (PISE) returned from the 2025 Steve Stevens Masters Championship in Vancouver with his 10th Canadian title, winning the 65-plus men’s singles.
“It was very satisfying,” Bettauer said. “I’m 69, so it was my last year in the division, which always makes it tougher because you’ve got younger players coming in. That made it particularly special.”
Bettauer has been here before.
His long career has brought national success at multiple levels, from juniors to the open circuit, and now at the masters stage.
This summer, he added a fourth straight provincial title before heading to Vancouver.
The nationals, played Aug. 24 to 30 at the Vancouver Lawn Tennis and Badminton Club, drew 573 competitors from across the country, ranging in age from 30 to 80.
The 65-plus men’s division was the largest, with 35 players in the draw.
“I knew I would be competitive, but I never take anyone for granted,” he said. “One of my strengths is discipline. I prepare the same way for every match. That mindset has served me well for a long time.”
The preparation paid off.
Over six days, Bettauer played nine matches in singles and doubles, winning the singles crown and teaming with fellow Victoria-product, David Fairbotham to reach the doubles final.
“I’ve always played singles and doubles equally, and I think that’s part of my longevity,” Bettauer said. “Singles is mind-body chess, while doubles I call target practice with a partner. I love both sides of it.”
The win also secured Bettauer a spot on Canada’s roster for the World Masters Team Championships next March in Turkey.
He has represented Canada before, most recently in Majorca, Spain, where his team placed in the top eight in the world.
“This year was probably the best I’ve ever felt physically at nationals,” he said. “I’ve been dealing with a bit of an injury, but by the time the tournament came I felt strong. Playing nine matches in six days at my age and coming out of it feeling good is very satisfying.”
Bettauer first picked up a racket at age 10 after his family immigrated from Berlin, Germany to North Vancouver.
Sport, he said, was how he learned language, culture and community. It’s also been the foundation of his professional life, first as a national athlete and Olympic coach, then as a tennis broadcaster, teacher, and now CEO of PISE.
“I owe everything to sport, my health, my career, my family, the quality of life I enjoy,” he said. “And now, at PISE, I get to help transform lives through sport and physical activity. That’s the most rewarding part.”
As classes resume across Greater Victoria, Bettauer is focused on PISE’s latest initiative: a campaign to raise $150,000 by December to expand access to inclusive, high-quality physical activity programs for schoolchildren.
“Ten thousand dollars allows us to provide two months of inclusive school programming,” Bettauer said. “That means healthier bodies, stronger minds and brighter futures for kids. That’s the impact we’re aiming for.”