Ballkids at Sydney's Medibank International Tennis Tournament will have their very own sponsor from 2006, Insurance Superannuation and Investment Group, Aviva Australia.
Ballkids at Sydney's Medibank International Tennis Tournament will have their very own sponsor from 2006, Insurance Superannuation and Investment Group, Aviva Australia.
The Aviva Ballkids are already a recognisable sight at Australian tennis tournaments, due to Aviva's sponsorship of the 320 Aviva Ballkids at Australian Open 2005, which was recently extended for the next four years.
Branded the Medibank International 2006, this is NSW's biggest annual tennis event. Historically known as the NSW Open and with a history dating back to 1885, the tournament is the most significant event on the "Road to the Australian Open".
Sydney based Aviva Ballkids will be competing to be selected as either the "Most Outstanding Aviva Ballboy or Ballgirl", and will be presented with a prize of $500 during the final rounds. The winners will also be invited to be Aviva Ballkids at the 2006 Australian Open in Melbourne.
Taking place from Sunday 8 January to Saturday 14 January 2006, the Medibank International attracts the world's very best players. Lleyton Hewitt and Rafael Nadal are expected to battle it out on court and some exciting new initiatives including ladies, kids and family theme days will promote the new look and feel of the event.
Aviva's chief executive officer, Allan Griffiths, said the offer to sponsor the Aviva Ballkids at the Medibank International was a fantastic opportunity to partner Tennis NSW with Aviva.
"Aviva has a large presence in NSW and it will be exciting for our customers and staff to see the Aviva logo on all courts throughout the tournament. Tennis holds a wide appeal in Australia and Aviva is delighted to support it through sponsorship", Allan said.
There are 120 Aviva Ballkids participating in the tournament, and all will be kitted out in a sun protective Aviva uniform and be highly visible during every match.
"I am delighted the Aviva Ballkids will play a focal part at the Medibank International. This tournament is an exciting beginning to the tennis year and you can be guaranteed to see some fierce competition", said Allan.
The 120 Aviva ballkids for 2006 have already been chosen following a number of selection trials which tested ball skills and agility.
To be eligible to become an Aviva Ballkid at the 2007 Medibank International, children must be aged between 12 and 15 years. Children interested in participating in 2007 should go to www.MedibankInternational.com.au for details.
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For further information, please contact:
Simon Morgan
Group General Manager Public Affairs
Ph: (03) 9829 8603
Mob: 0407 966 632
Notes to editors:
- 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.
- Globally, Aviva Australia is part of Aviva plc, the world's sixth largest insurance group, the largest insurer in the UK and one of the top five life companies in Europe. Aviva was formed in May 2000 through the global merger of CGU plc and Norwich Union plc.
- Aviva is a leading provider of life and pensions products to Europe and has substantial businesses elsewhere around the world. Its main activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance. It has premium income and investment sales from continuing operations of A$78.6 billion, and more than A$645 billion of assets under management (as at 7July 2005). The group has more than 60,000 employees and 30 million customers worldwide.
- The information in this document reflects Navigator Australia Limited's ('Navigator?) ABN 45 006 302 987 understanding of existing legislation, proposed legislation, rulings etc as at the date of issue. In some cases the information has been provided to us by third parties. While it is believed the information is accurate and reliable, this is not guaranteed in any way. The information given in this document is of a general nature and has not taken into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person and it is not a substitute for professional advice. A PDS is available from NULIS or your financial adviser. Applications to invest in investment product(s) through the investor directed portfolio service ("IDPS"), operated by Navigator, must be made by completing the application form attached to the applicable IDPS Guide Offer Document and Investment Allocation Authority. Before making an investment decision on the basis of the information above, a prospective investor needs to consider, with or without the assistance of a professional adviser whether the information is appropriate in the light of their particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances. Aviva does not receive any remuneration in relation to the provision of information available from this press release which is of a general nature only.