Indiantelevision.com Team

(26 December 2006 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: In an attempt to popularise tennis and create ownership for Chennai Open 2007 amongst the tennis loving youngsters, IMG and Compaq, the official Ball Boys / Ball Girls sponsor for Chennai Open 2007, has launched a city-wide search for 'Compaq Ball Boys / Ball Girls'.

This initiative will give tennis enthusiasts in the age group of 12-16 years an opportunity to mingle with star players of the likes of Rafael Nadal, David Nalbandian and Carlos Moya amongst others.

Kids from all over the city of Chennai will be invited for the trials on Wednesday at 10 am at SDAT stadium, Nungambakkam. Trials conducted during the contest will test the candidate's running skills, throwing skills and tennis aptitude, leading to the selection of 15 kids who will then experience the Chennai Open as the official 'Ball Boy/ Ball Girl' of the tournament.

IMG India MD Balu Nayar says, "India is a country of hidden talents. It has been our constant endeavour to give fresh and potential talent the necessary encouragement and opportunity to showcase their aptitude through various activities that we undertake on the sidelines of the tournament. Initiatives like the Compaq Ball Boys / Ball Girls hunt will work towards fostering love for the game amongst the Gen-next and groom them for eager participation in sporting activities."

Interestingly Boris Becker, Mc Enroe and Rafael Nadal started their tennis careers as Ball Boys.