Fun For All At Dubai Duty Free Special Needs Tennis Clinic

After a hard fought doubles match yesterday afternoon, doubles partners Eric Butorac and Paul Hanley spent some time today taking part in the Dubai Duty Free Special Needs Clinic. The clinic, which hosted over 80 children from special needs schools Al Noor, Dubai Centre for Special Needs, Rashid Pediatric Centre, and the Dubai Autism Centre, provided the opportunity for the children to interact with the players and practice their tennis skills, as well as meet the tournament mascots Ace and Annette.

Coaches from the Clark Francis Tennis Academy conducted the session, keeping the energy up and ensuring every child was able to participate. Salah Tahlak, Tournament Director, was thrilled to see the children participating, saying “It is very important to us to make sure everyone in the community can be involved in the tournament. Tennis is a sport that everyone can play and we are delighted that we can offer opportunities like today’s clinic to such wonderful people, and it’s great to see them having so much fun” he said.

This week’s Dubai Duty Free Special Needs Clinic is the second event of its kind to take place during the tournament. Doubles player Henley said later “It’s great for us to come out and share this experience, and the sport we love.” The players gain a lot from the day as well, Hanley continued, “Especially after a tough loss like yesterday, to come out here and spend time at this clinic, it really puts things in perspective. It’s my first time here in Dubai and this experience so far has been wonderful.”

Erica Colbeck, Head Teacher at Dubai Centre for Special Needs shared the positive sentiments of the day. “We’ve been coming for the last three years and the kids always enjoy it. We have tennis as part of their physical education program but not like this, on actual courts. The opportunity along with the socialization and learning new skills, it’s great for them”.

Santi, a tennis enthusiast and student at the Dubai Centre for Special Needs was excited to be back at the stadium. “This is my second year, I’m excited for today.” Having been enrolled in private tennis lessons for over a year Santi was excited to share the praise he received from this year’s clinic “They say I have a good backhand, but today I practiced my forehand also, I’m good!”

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, which continues until 2nd March, is owned and organised by Dubai Duty Free and held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

For further information about the tournament phone the call centre on +971 4 4172415.

Emirate:  Dubai

Date: Feb 27, 2013

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