29 October 2006 – This week sees the start of the ACSA SA Open as over 75 local and international players compete in South Africa’s largest and most important tournament on the wheelchair tennis calendar. Unlike previous tournaments the ACSA SA Open is a group 3 event allowing players the opportunity to improve their world rankings while having a shot at the prestigious title.
The tournament will be held from 2nd of December to the 6th of December at the University of Pretoria and has attracted players from Zimbabwe and France. Players will participate in singles, doubles and quads draws.
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is sponsoring the event as part of the company’s corporate social investment programme which focuses on improving the lives people with disabilities and is centred around moving people, changing lives. To date ACSA has invested R2.3million in the sport and remains a committed sponsor to the sport in the build up to the 2008 Beijing Paralympics.
“ACSA has an ongoing commitment in supporting wheelchair tennis in South Africa. and we are confident that high profile tournaments like the ACSA SA Open will draw more players into the support and also encourage the participation of other African countries. We are seeing a marked increase in the number of foreign participants in the tournaments that we support and we hope this continues.” said Charmaine Lodewyk, ACSA’s Communications and Brand Group Executive.
Some of South Africa’s top seeds will be playing the tournament including Kgothatso Montjane who is the number one seed and is on track to claim the Women’s Singles title for the fourth year running.
“The ACSA SA Open is a very important tournament on the wheelchair tennis calendar as it gives the players a chance to increase or gain a world ranking. We are very excited about the record number of entries this tournament has attracted and are especially encouraged by the number of foreign players. International participation is vital as it gives our players important international exposure and allows them to gain valuable playing experience.” commented Holger Losch, Director of Wheelchair Tennis South Africa.
Details of ACSA South African Open
Dates: 2-6 December 2006
Times: 09h00 – 16h00 (singles matches played between 09h00 – 12h00)
Location: University of Pretoria Tennis Grounds
South Street
Hatfield
Contact: Holger Losch
Director of Wheelchair Tennis South Africa
Cell: 082 520 9699
For daily match scores, more information and photographs please contact
Sarah Campbell
Kaelo PR
Tel: (011) 234 1195
Cell: 082 610 8091
Email: sarah@kaelowm.com
