Count Down The Hours To Experience Of A Lifetime

9th January 2009

For immediate release

Sovereign Superstars Count Down The Hours To Experience Of A Lifetime

With the Heineken Open fast approaching, so too is the excitement increasing for 6 young New Zealand tennis players as they anticipate their involvement in the Sovereign Superstars on centre court next week.

Once again Sovereign is showing how much they love great sport and the fulfilling of dreams for young New Zealanders with the Sovereign Superstars event that pits 3 boys and 3 girls into a round robin competition on centre court and live on television.

Sovereign Marketing Communications Manager Richard Allen explains the concept.

“We wanted to provide New Zealand’s best young tennis talent with an inspirational and unique ‘money can’t buy’ experience, - a chance to sample life as a professional tennis player.

“Those children and parents who have experienced the Sovereign Superstars programme over the past 3 years have spoken highly of how inspiring and motivating it has been, not to mention the chance to meet and talk with some of the world’s best players and enjoy the same treatment they enjoy on and off court.”

The 6 children and parents will fly into Auckland (two are Auckland based and therefore won’t be flying) on Sunday for a pre-tournament briefing and afternoon tea before settling into their accommodation at the Heritage Hotel, the accommodation provider for the Heineken Open players.

They will be transported to the tournament venue by official chauffeured car for a practice session before taking to centre court in round robin format to find the 2009 Sovereign Superstars Champions (boys and girls).

All have qualified through their primary and intermediate school championships prior to Christmas. Christchurch’s Ben Johnston summed up the anticipation amongst the 6 children and their families.

“I am just so excited about the opportunity, it was the first time I had beaten Elliot (Ben defeated Elliot Darling in the South Island final) and can’t think of a better time to do it with the Sovereign Superstars prize up for grabs.

“I guess right now it hasn’t sunk in but the things I am looking forward to most with the Sovereign Superstars experience is to meet a few big name players, be on television and not having to get the tennis balls from the fence on centre court!”

Sovereign Superstars receive:

• Travel to and from Auckland with accommodation provided.
• Travel to and from the tournament venue will be with official player transport provider.
• Play in a competitive knock out style competition on centre court at the Heineken Open. Crowds in excess of 3,000 are expected to be in attendance.
• A chance to meet and mingle with the touring professionals and seek advice and tips on how to improve your game.
• Attend your very own post match media conference and be interviewed by the media – after some tips from the experts of course on how to handle the tough questions!
• A chance to discuss the life of a tennis professional with former tennis professionals and mentors (including Davis Cup Captain James Greenhalgh) to the Sovereign Superstars programme.

2009 Sovereign Superstars
Girls
Pang Suwanapossee Christchurch
Shanni Temata Frost Palmerston North
Claudia Williams Auckland
Boys
Ben Johnson Christchurch
Arapeta Collier-Waiomio Hamilton
Niko Vulinovich Auckland

Draw – subject to change

MONDAY, JANUARY 12TH CENTRE COURT
- 10.40am Pang Suwanaposee Shanni Temata-Frost
- After Heineken Open Match 1 Ben Johnston Arapeta Collier-Waiomio
- After Heineken Open Match 2 Claudia Williams Pang Suwanaposee

TUESDAY, JANUARY 13TH CENTRE COURT
- 10.40am Niko Vulinovich Arapeta Collier-Waiomio
- After Heineken Open Match 1 Claudia Williams Shanni Temata-Frost
- After Heineken Open Match 2 Ben Johntson Niko Vulinovich

ENDS

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