Benjamin Ramsay from South Morang, and Georgia Sverns from Tacoma have collected their prize of A$1000 for the Most Outstanding Aviva Ballboy and Ballgirl at the Australian Open 2008.
Benjamin Ramsay from South Morang, and Georgia Sverns from Tacoma have collected their prize of A$1000 for the Most Outstanding Aviva Ballboy and Ballgirl at the Australian Open 2008.
Benjamin and Georgia were part of a team of more than 300 Aviva Ballkids carefully selected from around Australia and the Asia Pacific region. Aviva Ballkids are an elite team - the Australian Open is regarded as having the finest ballkids out of all the Grand Slam events.
The Australian Open 2008 challenged the performance of the Aviva Ballkids. During a marathon match between two of the world's greatest players - Lleyton Hewitt and Marcos Baghdatis - Aviva Ballkids showed their endurance by working right through to 4.30 am.
The Most Outstanding Aviva Ballkid award is presented to the Ballboy and Ballgirl who demonstrated exceptional conduct, performance and attitude towards the important role they play at the Australian Open.
Benjamin, who has worked as an Aviva Ballkid for three years, said that being part of the Australian Open as an Aviva Ballkid has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"It was a great experience because I had the chance to support some of the world's top tennis players at a famous grand slam event. I also had the opportunity to be an Aviva Ballkid for both the men's and women's finals - which had the best atmosphere. I had heaps of fun."
Allan Griffiths, chief executive officer of Aviva Australia, commented that Aviva is very proud of the efforts and conduct of the Aviva Ballkids in 2008.
"At the start of the tournament we asked the Aviva Ballkids to show that they are the best in the world. They have given a world class performance at a world class event and participated in some classic tennis matches."
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 to 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 A$100 to their superannuation account, Aviva will contribute A$150 and the Commonwealth Government A$150 - totalling A$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).
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More information
More information on the Aviva Ballkids is available at www.avivaballkids.com.au/
Media information/interviews:
Ariana Alvarenga
Public Relations
Telephone: (03) 9829 8985
E-mail: ariana.alvarenga@avivagroup.com.au
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.
- 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.