ESTORIL, April 27, 2004 – Laureus World Sports Academy member Boris
Becker, one of the greatest tennis stars of all time, is to play in the 2004
Laureus Tennis Challenge at the Quinta da Marinha Health and Racquet Club on
the Lisbon Coast of Portugal on Monday, May 10.
The Laureus Tennis Challenge, presented by Smart and Baume & Mercier, is
one of several high profile sports events being staged in the lead-up to the
fifth annual Laureus World Sports Awards which will be unveiled during a television
ceremony at the Centro Cultural de Belem on the Lisbon Coast on the evening
of May 10.
Boris Becker said: "Portugal is a superb sporting destination and a great
climate for tennis. I am very much looking forward to visiting EstoriI and to
playing in the Laureus Tennis Challenge. It is always a great fun event, and
there is some serious tennis played. I know there is great enthusiasm for sport
in Portugal and I know we will receive a warm welcome."
The Laureus Tennis Challenge has a unique pro-am format which sees the top
professionals competing alongside amateurs. Six four-man teams will take part
in the pro-am tournament, each team comprising one of the tennis professionals,
one sports celebrity and two corporate amateurs. Teams will be split into two
groups of three, with each team playing one doubles match against the other
two teams in the group. The two group winners will then contest the final.
The other component of the Laureus Tennis Challenge is the two-team Smart Cup,
in which eight tennis professionals, including Becker, will take part in an
exciting team competition in which each match lasts just 20 minutes.
The Estoril and Sintra region offers ideal natural conditions and excellent
facilities for anyone wanting an active, healthy life-style. Tennis is available
all year round and traditionally the Estoril Open inaugurates the tennis clay
court season each spring.
The Laureus World Sports Awards has established a unique place in the sporting
calendar, honouring the greatest sportsmen and sportswomen from around the world
and across all sports. The winners are selected by the ultimate sports jury
- the Laureus World Sports Academy which consists of 41 legendary sportsmen
and sportswomen.
Tennis served up a Grand Slam performance when the Nominations for the 2004
Laureus World Sports Awards were announced in March with five players shortlisted
in four categories; more than any other sport. Justine Henin-Hardenne and Serena
Williams were nominated for Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year, Roger Federer
for Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, Martina Navratilova for Laureus World
Comeback of the Year and Maria Sharapova for Laureus World Newcomer of the Year.
In addition to voting for the winners of the Laureus World Sports Awards, the
members of the Laureus World Sports Academy also volunteer their time and effort
to support the Laureus Sport For Good Foundation which was set up to fund and
promote the use of sport as a tool for social change. Its work focuses on helping
young people overcome poverty, homelessness, war, violence, drug abuse, discrimination
and AIDS in 24 projects worldwide. Since its formation the Laureus Sport for
Good Foundation has influenced the lives of over 100,000 young people. The Laureus
Tennis Challenge will help to raise funds for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.
The Laureus World Sports Awards Ceremony provides a fitting climax to two days
of high-profile events, which, in addition to the Laureus Tennis Challenge,
includes the Laureus Golf Challenge and the spectacular Laureus Beach Festival.
Members of the media who wish to attend the 2004 Laureus World Sports Awards
should apply for accreditation on the Laureus website www.laureus.com/accreditation
or email laureus@zonetc.com. Members of the media who wish to be added to the
Laureus World Sports Awards mailing list should contact Shelly Samuel on media@laureus.org.
Images of previous Laureus World Sports Awards Ceremonies and events involving
members of the Laureus World Sports Academy are available on the Laureus
Picture Archive at www.laureusarchive.com.
For further information please contact:
Karen Dillon
Laureus International Media Office
Tel: +44 (0)20 7514 2749
Email: media@laureus.org
Photo Archive: www.laureusarchive.com
Website: www.laureus.com
NB: Information correct at time of going to press
Information for Editors:
The Laureus World Sports Awards were established in 1999 by Founding Patrons
DaimlerChrysler and Richemont, who are represented through their brands Mercedes-Benz
and Cartier. The awards honour the achievements of the world's greatest sportsmen
and women on an annual basis, and also contribute to social change through the
Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.
