More than 300 Aviva Ballkids are ready to take their positions on-court at the 2008 Australian Open.
More than 300 Aviva Ballkids are ready to take their positions on-court at the 2008 Australian Open.
According to Tim Cobb, general manager of marketing and public relations at Aviva Australia, the Aviva Ballkids play a critical role in the event.
"Although it is a demanding role, being an Aviva Ballkid is the experience of a lifetime," he said.
"Aviva Ballkids watch the world's best players in action, learn new skills and make new friends, while enjoying the lifestyle and health benefits of tennis - we are proud to give young people this valuable experience.
"Also, they are part of an elite group, some of whom will go on to become champion tennis players themselves.
"Aviva Ballkids are a constant, reliable presence on-court in the Australian Open tennis matches and we are proud to support them.
"As a global organisation with a strong focus on the Asia Pacific region, the Australian Open is a great fit for Aviva - in fact, 60% of the television viewers who watch the Australian Open are from Asia."
The 2008 Australian Open "Grand Slam of Asia Pacific" marks the fourth year of the Aviva Ballkids sponsorship.
"Sponsorship of the Aviva Ballkids allows us to publicly associate our brand with shared values such as performance and teamwork," said Mr Cobb.
"In fact, the professional approach and efficiency of the Aviva Ballkids mirrors the way we at Aviva support our customers - not always from centre stage but going about our business quickly and efficiently in the background, helping people take care of the things that are important to them".
The Aviva-branded uniforms worn by each Aviva Ballkid will be visible at every match played during the Grand Slam event, held from 14-27 January 2008.
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Media information/interviews:
Ariana Alvarenga
Public Relations
Telephone: (03) 9829 8985
E-mail: ariana.alvarenga@avivagroup.com.au
Notes to editors:
Life insurance, investments, superannuation and ballkids
The Aviva Ballkids sponsorship began in 2005 and the company has steadily increased its support for the program. This year, Aviva has launched a new website www.avivaballkids.com.au/ and for the first time, an Aviva tram will travel along St Kilda Road, Melbourne, from December-February. Also, Aviva has engaged in outdoor advertising, including prominent sites along major freeways, carrying the ‘life insurance, superannuation, investments and ballkids' message.
About Aviva Ballkids
The Aviva Ballkids were selected from thousands of applicants aged 12-15 years. They include 20 from Korea and four from India, reflecting Aviva's growing presence in the Asia Pacific region, as well as ten children of Aviva Australia staff and advisers.
Each Aviva Ballkid undergoes a rigorous selection process including tests of fitness, concentration, ball skills and their attitude toward the role.
Future focus
As part of the company's sponsorship, Aviva Ballkids (many of whom are being employed for the first time) will be able to kick-start their financial future with a special superannuation offer. Where an Aviva Ballkid contributes $100 to their superannuation account, Aviva will contribute $150 and the Commonwealth Government $150 - totalling $400 towards the child's financial future.
Support for tennis in Australia
Aviva's involvement in tennis includes the Australian Open 2008 (Melbourne), Medibank International (Sydney), Mondial Australian Women's Hardcourts (Gold Coast), the Next Generation International (Adelaide), Moorilla International (Hobart) and the Hyundai Hopman Cup (Perth).
More information
More information on the Aviva Ballkids is available at www.avivaballkids.com.au
About Aviva
- Aviva Australia is a group of two specialist financial services companies: Navigator and Norwich Union Life Australia Ltd. Portfolio Partners is the Australian funds management arm of Aviva plc. Through these companies, we provide products and services in the areas of wealth creation and wealth protection for more than 300,000 customers throughout Australia.
- Aviva is one of the leading providers of life and pensions to Europe with substantial positions in other markets around the world, making it the world's fifth largest insurance group based on gross worldwide premiums at 31 December 2006.
- Aviva's principal business activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance, with worldwide total sales* of £41.5 billion at 31 December 2006 and assets under management of £377 billion at 30 June 2007.
* Based on life and pensions PVNBP, total investment sales and general insurance and health net written premiums including share of associates' premiums