The ATP and FedEx Corp (NYSE: FDX) are strengthening their collaboration by launching the FedEx ATP Ball Kids programme at the Nitto ATP Finals in London, this November. The programme aims to give aspiring youngsters the opportunity to develop new skills through teamwork, sportsmanship and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.
Twenty-six children, aged 12-16, have been selected to participate as FedEx Ball Kids at the prestigious end-of-season event at The O2 arena, on 11-18 November 2018. The youngsters have been chosen based on outstanding ability and strong dedication, demonstrated during a trial in London in September. All were then given the opportunity to attend a five-day Training Camp in Southampton, from October 22 – 26, to further improve their skills and bond as a team.
This year, the group will be joined by four talented ball kids who have been selected from two other FedEx-sponsored ATP World Tour events: the Rolex Shanghai Masters in China, and the Rio Open presented by Claro in Brazil.
Chris Kermode, ATP Executive Chairman & President, said: “The Nitto ATP Finals is a truly global sporting event. We are delighted that FedEx’s sponsorship of the ball kids programme will enable the impact of this initiative to be felt on an international level. With the inclusion of ball kids from Shanghai and Rio de Janeiro, FedEx is giving talented youngsters from around the world an opportunity to experience world-class tennis at the very heart of the action.”
Brenda McWilliams Piatek, Vice President Marketing Operations, FedEx Express Europe, said: “We are delighted to be able to sponsor the FedEx ATP Ball Kids programme. We know that sport creates many possibilities for youth development and we are excited about bringing this programme to life. Alongside our continued sponsorship of professional ATP tournaments around the world, we look forward to creating exciting opportunities for young people through tennis.”
The ATP, through its digital and social channels and weekly show, will showcase the stories of the FedEx ATP Ball Kids. Fans will be able to follow them on their journey to the Finals, where one youngster will be awarded Ball Kid of the Tournament, prior to the Doubles Final at this year’s tournament.
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