The Hong Kong Life presents: Tennis Stars of the Future 2008 will begin on May 1 with an introductory 'Challenge Day' event in various locations across the territory to introduce the sport to local youngsters. Now in its 15th year, this developmental initiative remains one of the most important and well-received programmes for talent identification at the grassroots level.
First launched in 1992 with the endorsement of former French Open champion, Michael Chang, the Tennis Stars of the Future is an invaluable avenue through which local youngsters can be recognized for their aptitude in tennis and nurtured for further development under a well-supported development framework.
Tennis hopefuls between the ages of 6-14 will receive a systematic training regiment that will help them build their tennis fundamentals as well as their technical skills. From May onwards, the programme will move progressively in stages, culminating with an invitational age-group competition in December.
Upon further assessments, successful completion of the Tennis Stars of the Future programme could net these youngsters an invitation to join a number of different regional training squads under the HKTA's Junior Development Programme.
Participants who sign on for the Stage 2 training courses will receive an official event T-shirt from title sponsor Hong Kong Life in addition to a tennis racquet and cap courtesy of Dunlop.
Besides identifying players of potential, the programme is also an important vehicle to popularize the sport of tennis as a healthy pastime, as youngsters will have the opportunity to get away from the monotony and pressures of everyday schoolwork, engage in a meaningful extra curricular activity, and perhaps making some new friends along the way.
Serving the local community for more than a decade, the Tennis Stars of the Future programme has since brought to the fore such homegrown talents as Jack Hui, Lam Po Kuen, and Venise Chan, who have all gone on to represent the territory with exceptional merit in various prestigious junior and senior events and competitions around the world.
Information leaflets are available at the Hong Kong Tennis Association's official website www.tennishk.org or through various LCSD tennis facilities, indoor recreation centres, and associated offices.
For further enquiries regarding the Hong Kong Life presents: Tennis Stars of the Future 2008 programme, please contact Miss Olivia Tse on 2504 8266 or email her at olivia@tennishk.org.
Details regarding the RICOH Photo Contest
Capture some of the happy faces during any one the four "Challenge Days" of the Hong Kong Life presents: Tennis Stars of the Future 2008 and win a RICOH digital camera!
| Date |
Time & Place |
| May 1 (Labour Day Holiday) |
9:00am-12:00nn@Victoria Park Tennis Courts |
| May 4 (Sunday) |
9:00am-12:00nn@Lai Chi Kok Park |
| May 11 (Sunday) |
9:00am-12:00nn@Kowloon Tsai Park |
| May 18 (Sun) |
9:00am-12:00nn@Yuen Wo Rd Park, Shatin |
|
|
| Prizes |
|
| The Most Touching Picture (one) |
RICOH R8 Digital Camera |
| The Happiest Picture (one) |
RICOH R7 Digital Camera |
| The Funniest Picture (two) |
RICOH RR770 Digital Camera |
Simply take snapshots during any one of the Challenge Days listed above and submit the .JPEG file (max. 1.5M) to photo@tennishk.org on or before 31 May 2008.
Please remember to mark your name, HKID Card Number (first 4 digits), daytime contact telephone number, and the date & venue at which your photo was taken.
EACH PARTICIPANT SHOULD ONLY SUBMIT ONE PHOTO.
For further enquiries, please contact Ms. Tsang at 2504 8590.
The Hong Kong Tennis Association is located at:
Room 1021 Olympic House
1 Stadium Path, So Kon Po
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Tel: 2504 8266 Fax: 2894 8704
Website: www.tennishk.org