Aviva India is sponsoring the Aviva Ballkids at the Mumbai Tennis Open in India, an ATP event.
Aviva India is sponsoring the Aviva Ballkids at the Mumbai Tennis Open in India, an ATP event.
This initiative, the first of its kind in India, is similar to the Aviva Ballkids' programme at the Australian Open.
The sponsorship will provide 40 Indian children, aged 12 to 15, with a chance to become Aviva Ballkids in Mumbai between 25 September and 1 October.
Mahesh Bhupathi, India's leading tennis player, unveiled the Aviva Ballkids' T-shirt and launched the initiative in Mumbai, along with Vivek Khanna, marketing director, Aviva India.
Bert Paterson, India's new managing director, said: "This initiative is a part of Aviva's ‘Forward thinking' agenda, partnering with the local community and providing opportunities to the youngsters. Aviva believes that responsible investment in youth development and training plays an important part in creating a more sustainable future, thereby ensuring Kal Par Control.*
"Aviva India has a long association with sports, including sponsoring the Ballkids at the Australian Open, and our association with this event is one more step in promoting youngsters in that direction."
The Aviva Ballkids' team will be made up of budding tennis players handpicked from reputed Tennis Academies in Mumbai. The youngsters will attend trials to become a member of the Aviva Ballkids' team. A panel of judges during the tennis open will judge the best ballkid, awarding the winner with a trophy and a year-long scholarship to attend Mahesh Bhupathi's Tennis Academy.
* "Control over tomorrow", an Aviva India advertising slogan.