ABU DHABI: The organizers of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship here have started a nationwide community engagement drive with three programs on offer at the 14th edition of the tournament.
With less than 90 days until six of the world’s top male tennis players and two of the best in the women’s game take to the court at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi, from Dec. 16 to 18, the search is on for ball kids, volunteers and amateur players keen to test their skills.
The annual amateur Mubadala Community Cup, presented by Healthpoint, for the region’s tennis enthusiasts will start on Nov. 5, with more than 300 players expected to take part.
“The Mubadala World Tennis Championship is more than just three days of fantastic tennis featuring the sport’s biggest and best names; it is a holistic, inclusive tennis experience. The championship consists of various sporting activities and events in line with our established goal of promoting the sport of tennis, supporting the development of healthy lifestyles in the region, and strengthening communities across the UAE,” said John Lickrish, CEO of Flash Entertainment.
Players can enter in the mixed categories under the ages of 10, 12, and 14, singles for men and women, and mixed doubles for adults. The winners, who will have to negotiate seven rounds successfully, will be rewarded with a unique opportunity to take part in a clinic with one of the game’s top players during the Mubadala World Tennis Championship.
The organizers are also seeking 150 volunteers for a variety of positions, including support for the players’ clinic, team leaders, Tennis Village operations, guest services, gate and seat ushers, and announcers.
The MWTC Ball Kids Program is open once more to youths aged between 12 and 17. This special program, which provides an engagement with global tennis stars, is run by Zayed Sports Academy at the International Tennis Centre.
Ball Kids spend seven weeks training and sharpening their skills ahead of the three-day festival. Designed to enhance their on-court abilities and etiquette — both crucial during elite tennis — it is also a great opportunity to work on hand-eye coordination, teamwork, unity, agility, and fitness.
“We take great pride in getting the community involved and the ball kids and volunteer programs really offer participants a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a world class event and be right at the heart of the action,” said Lickrish.