Sport | Tennis
Host of attractions for families
A host of attractions have been announced for the Capitala World Tennis Championship to be held from January 1 to 3, 2009.
- Staff Report
- Published: 23:33 December 29, 2008
- Image Credit: Supplied Picture
- The world's biggest tennis stars are getting ready to play the $250,000 Capitala World Tennis Championship at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex.
Abu Dhabi: A host of attractions have been announced for the Capitala World Tennis Championship to be held from January 1 to 3, 2009.
According to the organisers, a unique Tennis Village will provide interactive, fun and family-friendly areas to engage and entertain visitors throughout the tournament. Entry into the areas is free to the public.
Located adjacent to the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex at Zayed Sports City, the Tennis Village will allow visitors to test their tennis skills at a Nintendo Wii Wall presented by Etihad Airways and Speed Serve Net.
Children will get a chance to try their hand at the game, with a dedicated Children's Zone, featuring Target Tennis and an inflatable tennis court with coaches on standby offering free lessons.
Face painting, jugglers and stilt walkers will also contribute to the carnival atmosphere.
The public will have the chance to get up close and personal with their sporting heroes with players visiting the Autograph Zone each day.
On January 1, James Blake will be on hand from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. to meet fans.
On January 2, Rafael Nadal will meet fans from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Nike and Wilson retail stores will allow visitors to snap up branded merchandise and equipment used by the players on court.
"The Tennis Village is the latest exciting development at the Capitala World Tennis Championship," commented Peter Wilding, deputy CEO at Capitala.
"With such a range of different activities on offer there is something for the whole family to enjoy.
"And the fact that the public get the chance to meet with the players and maybe even see them on the practice courts means that this is a truly special event."
The Tennis Village will be open from noon on January 1 and 2 and from 2 p.m. on the final day.
The village will close one hour after the last match has finished.
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