By Muhammad Rafiq
DUBAI: Over 300 school children from across the UAE took to the courts today at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. Children from a number of schools enjoyed the WTA J.P. Morgan Kids’ Day which included a tennis clinic for all ages and skill levels, entertainment, photo opportunities and the chance to meet some top WTA players.
The two hour long clinic was led by tennis coaches from the Clark Francis Tennis Academy and attended by WTA players Aliaksandra Sasnovich and Alize Cornet who gave the kids tips on how to improve their game.
Alize Cornet commented on this morning’s activities: “I’ve done a lot of clinics with kids in my career. It’s something I really like to do. Sharing moments with the kids and playing ball with them. It’s something I like to do so I’m happy I could come this morning.
“It was fun and very hot, its 10:30 and it’s going to be a beautiful day! The kids were happy, there were lots of them smiling which is all we ask for.”
“J.P. Morgan is proud to support the J.P. Morgan Kids Day at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships,” commented Khaled Hobballah, Joint-Senior Country Officer for J.P. Morgan MENA and head of MENA Markets. “This is a great event allowing lots of children across a number of schools to participate in a fun day of tennis and kick off the WTA week. Giving students the opportunity to support their local community through tennis has a great impact, and we’re thrilled to champion these young children through academics and sports.”
Jon Guntley, Chief Operations Officer, Clark Francis Tennis Academy: “The J.P. Morgan clinics are always good every year, myself and all my coaching staff really look forward to giving this clinic as it gives us a chance to showcase the sport and try and get as many children involved in tennis as possible and for them to keep active.”
