Emirates Airline to support Canadian junior tennis development

The announcement was made today at the Rogers Cup women's tennis tournament currently underway at Toronto's Rexall Centre. The award will consist of $25,000 to support the junior women's Fed Cup Team in 2007 and the junior men's Davis Cup Team in 2008.

"Funding the development of Canada's budding tennis stars has always been a challenge," said Greg Wood, Vice President Corporate Partnerships, Tennis Canada. "Our junior Fed Cup and Davis Cup teams have always been under-funded. This support from Emirates will go a long way toward helping our stars of the future secure much-needed international competition experience."

The past, present and future of women's tennis in Canada were represented at the presentation of the Emirates Award at centre court last night in Toronto. Former Canadian tennis great and renowned coach Carling Bassett-Seguso was on hand with the present coaches of the junior Fed Cup team as well as young players vying for a future spot on the team.

"Supporting sports and cultural initiatives are important to Emirates in every market we serve around the world," said Mary Heron, District Manager for Canada, Emirates. "Now that we are starting non-stop service between Toronto and Dubai, the timing of the Rogers Cup was perfect to offer support to the young women who we hope will one day represent Canada at this very event."

Emirates begins non-stop service between Toronto and Dubai beginning 29th October with the new Boeing 777-300ER. The award-winning airline currently serves 92 destinations with 106 aircraft throughout Europe, The Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas.