Leander Paes holds court
Retiring Indian tennis star gave tennis lessons at the Children of Determination Clinic for his Dubai farewell
More than 150 children participated in an exciting morning on the tennis courts at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in the Dubai Duty Free Children of Determination Clinic. Children from Dubai Autism Centre, Dubai Centre for Special Needs, Al Noor Training Centre, Manzil Centre and Rashid Centre enjoyed tennis lessons and received a very special visit from Leander Paes — the doubles legend who is his retiring this year — as well as ATP players Edouard Roger-Vasselin, Raven Klaasen and Oliver Marach.
“Being my last year in Dubai, it’s a privilege to be included and personally being able to give back to these children of determination via such engagements. Opportunities to bring a little cheer to their lives is something most of us pros truly enjoy partaking in. Their enthusiasm is infectious and seeing them smile is genuinely uplifting. Well done to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships team for always championing community responsibly,” said Paes
The Children of Determination Clinic is specifically designed to offer a fun and complete tennis experience for children with special needs, and the players were extremely pleased to be a part of it.
Roula Sabella from Dubai Centre for Special Needs said, “Dubai Centre for Special Needs children look forward to this every year and they enjoy a lot. Thank you very much for organising such a great event.”
CF Tennis Academy Coach said, “
It was indeed a superb morning, our coaches had the best time. This clinic gives the kids the chance to play and interact, and perhaps do something and play some sports that maybe they haven’t had the chance to before.”
Tournament Director Salah Tahlak was delighted to see the children enjoying the day: “The Dubai Duty Free Clinic is a very important part of our community outreach programme and it is wonderful to see the children getting an opportunity to meet some professional tennis stars and play some tennis with them, this is an initiative we will continue for years to come.”
“Being my last year in Dubai, it’s a privilege to be included and personally being able to give back to these children of determination.” LEANDER PAES
★ Tennis star