McHale signs partnership agreement with Buddy Fruits
World No. 32 and New Jersey native Christina McHale has signed a partnership deal with Buddy Fruits, the leader in the market of all natural fruit snacks. Financial terms of the agreements have not been disclosed. “I have to be picky about what I put in my body as my tennis performance can depend on it,” said McHale. “I always keep Buddy Fruits products with me. They help to provide an energy boost for my hectic schedule. With Buddy Fruits, I can feel good about what I am eating and even better, I can throw it into my gym bag to enjoy as an on the court snack or even pre- and post-workout.” Buddy Fruits various flavors include mango, passion fruit, multi fruit, banana, strawberry and apple cinnamon. Each product features no artificial flavorings or colors, no genetic modifications and are also gluten-free. “We are very excited to have the opportunity to partner with Christina,” said Fabian Milon, Co-Founder of Buddy Fruits. “As a world-ranked athlete, she must take her health seriously, and we are pleased that she has chosen Buddy Fruits to assist in reaching her fitness goals. Christina’s achievements serve as a role model for health and what you can achieve when your body is given the proper nutrition. We share a passion for delicious, convenient and wholesome choices.”
Carillo earns contract extension with Tennis Channel
Tennis Channel has extended the contract of tennis broadcasting legend Mary Carillo and will now add Wimbledon and select domestic tournaments to her schedule, starting at this week’s Sony Ericsson Open in Miami. Bringing 32-years of broadcasting experience to the table, Carillo joined Tennis Channel in 2011 during its coverage of the French Open and US Open. “We had a great time in Paris and New York last year, and I’m excited to keep working with Tennis Channel,” said Carillo. “I’m looking forward to joining the team in Miami and London.” During her playing career on the WTA Tour, Carillo reached a personal best singles ranking of No. 33 in the world in 1980, while teaming with Hall of Famer and fellow New Yorker John McEnroe to capture the 1977 French Open Mixed Doubles title.
USTA and TGA Premier Youth Tennis form partnership to bring more kids to the sport
According to a press release, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced on Tuesday it has teamed with the newly launched TGA Premier Youth Tennis (TGA), an innovative, youth sports franchise firm, to help introduce tennis to kindergarten through 8th grade youth throughout the country. The partnership supports USTA’s 10 and Under Tennis youth initiative, which is geared towards getting more kids to participate in tennis using modified equipment and courts tailored to a child’s size. The organizations have developed a model that impacts the landscape of the tennis industry and its future growth prospects. The USTA has been implementing programs to attract youngsters to tennis, and recognized the success that TGA has had with its golf business. Currently, thousands of schools nationwide participate in TGA’s after-school enrichment programs. Using its current business philosophy of enriching kids’ lives through physical fitness, health and nutrition, education, and character building, along with its scalable business model, the USTA and TGA have worked together to develop curriculums for K – 3rd grade and 4th – 8th grade. “The partnership is a great fit and will build a pathway for elementary and middle school kids to enjoy tennis through after school programs,” said Kurt Kamperman, USTA Chief Executive, Community Tennis. “TGA’s enrichment curriculum along with USTA’s tennis program will bring many kids to the court while enabling them to improve life skills and character development.” TGA began forming its alliance with the USTA in December 2011, and is expected to become a pipeline for the game by introducing tennis to boys and girls enrolled in elementary and middle schools, child care centers and community-based organizations throughout the U.S. Children who participate in the programs will have the opportunity to transition from at-school programs to junior camps, clinics, and USTA programs at facilities nationwide. In addition to exposing kids to a life-long, character-building sport, the full service franchise company will create jobs and business ownership opportunities within the industry. This month the company will begin awarding TGA tennis franchises to the public, which is expected to attract tennis professionals as well as business professionals within the 17 USTA sections around the country. Self-starters who are passionate about tennis and have an interest in youth sports can embrace a business opportunity while benefiting their communities.
AEGON Championships shortlisted at Sports Industry Awards
The AEGON Championships at Queen’s Club has been shortlisted for “Best Sponsorship Of An Event Or Competition” at the prestigious Sports Industry Awards. The tournament is up against five other events from the worlds of football, rugby union, cricket and adventure racing. “To be nominated alongside world-class events from other sports is very satisfying and a great credit to AEGON and everyone involved in the tournament,” said Chris Kermode, Tournament Director. The awards will be announced in early May at a star-studded ceremony in London. “Being named on the Official Shortlist for the Sport Industry Awards is definitive proof that a team, brand or organization’s work has been amongst the very best in its field across an entire year,” said Nick Keller, the Chairman of the Sports Industry Group.
del Potro commits to AEGON Championships at Queen’s Club in London
Former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro announced he will take part in the 2012 AEGON Championships, which will be played at the historic Queen’s Club in London from June 11-17. “I like the surface, I’m not a grass-court specialist, but I’m improving,” said Del Potro. “The AEGON Championships at Queen’s is an amazing tournament, very nice to come to, to play, to train and I will be there for sure trying to win my first title on grass. I think that if I play my best tennis I have a chance to win a Grand Slam on grass but it will be very difficult.” The No. 9 ranked player in the world joins Andy Murray and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga as other Top 10 players already committed to the field.
Founding Editor of New York Times Straight Sets blog publishes e-book
Ray Krueger, the founding editor of the New York Times Straight Sets blog and current managing editor of the New York Times News Service, has written and published an e-book, 45-Love: My Yearlong Quest to Fulfill a Lifelong Dream in the Sport of Tennis. 45-Love tells the story of Ray’s quest to be an accomplished player in the USTA’s 45 and Over division. The book is available for readers who have Kindle, iPad or similar e-reader, through Diversion Books.
The “Heavyweight Championship of Tennis” to be held in Cincinnati from April 13-14
The annual Clydesdale Open & Pro Am Tennis Charity Classic sponsored by Beacon Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, which is dubbed the ‘Heavyweight Championship of Tennis’ since qualified doubles teams must tip-the-scales at minimum combined weight of 425 pounds, returns to The Club at Harper’s Point in Cincinnati, Ohio, from April 13-14. Founded by Cincinnati resident Ken “The Commish” Munson in 1992 and featured on Tennis Channel in 2005 during a one-hour special, the Clydesdale Open has already generated nearly $500,000 for local charities. Proceeds from this year’s tournament will benefit the Andy Caress Melanoma Foundation. The Andy Caress Melanoma Foundation was formed shortly after the former college tennis player lost his battle with the deadly disease. Additionally, a secondary benefactor is the Blue Cure, a Prostate Cancer Awareness Foundation. Munson was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2005 and just celebrated his sixth year of being cancer free. The fun-filled weekend will kick-off at Cincinnati’s most popular racquet club with a tennis Pro Am Round Robin tournament. Sixteen of Greater Cincinnati’s most celebrated tennis teaching professionals will team with amateur players to compete for prizes and bragging rights. Participants in the Pro Am event will be divided into two divisions based on playing ability and your weight will not be a factor. For just $250, you can participate in this outstanding event. For just a generous $30 donation on Saturday, April 14 from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. you can take part in the adidas Tennis Boot Camp Clinic. All participants will have the opportunity to play with local pros, while competing for prizes and enjoying refreshments. Following the afternoon fun, the highly-anticipated Clydesdale Open will start at 5:30 p.m. with the fan-favorite weigh-in. Once again, doubles teams will be divided into two divisions, 3.5/4.0 and 4.5/5.0 (USTA Rating). Winners and finalists will receive trophies, while players and fans can enjoy dozens of great raffle prizes, free food and refreshments, and live entertainment throughout the night. Presenting sponsors for this year’s event include adidas, Babolat, Midwest Sports, Queen City Fitness and Racquet Club and The Club at Harper’s Point. For more information or to sign up for any of the events, please call Katie at (513) 489-9700.
Volley in the Valley Tennis Tournament to be held May 6-7
The St. Helena Hospital Volley in the Valley Tennis Tournament will be held Sunday, May 6 and Monday, May 7 at Meadowood Napa Valley. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the St. Helena’s Heart Institute. This year’s tournament format will feature four doubles Round Robin Tournaments – one men’s, one women’s and two mixed doubles. The tournament is open to all amateur players. Your $1,000 entry fee includes two days of tennis play and an elegant dinner event featuring celebrity speakers Brad Gilbert and John York, MD. The dinner will take place at the prominent Napa Valley Reserve on Sunday evening, May 6. Dinner only tickets cost just $500 each. For questions or more information, please contact Danielle at the St. Helena Hospital Foundation at (707) 963-6208.