The USTA today announced that Emirates Airline has again partnered with the USTA Foundation, the national charitable foundation of the USTA, to bring tennis and education to children across North America as part of “Emirates Returns.” The program, a grassroots charitable initiative connected to the Emirates Airline US Open Series, provides underserved youth in the various Series markets access to the sport of tennis and opens up educational opportunities in their local market.
In each Emirates Airline US Open Series market, Emirates provides charitable donations in the form of grants for educational programming, new tennis equipment and facility improvements. In the program’s third year, the total contribution across all Series tournaments and the US Open will eclipse $400,000.
“Emirates is a connector of people, places and passions,” said Boutros Boutros, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand. “The Emirates Returns program enriches the lives of young people throughout North America by connecting them with a sport they can enjoy for many years to come. This is one of our favorite parts of sponsoring the Emirates Airline US Open Series and a highlight of our seven-year partnership with the USTA.”
New this year, Emirates will recognize mentors that have made a difference within their respective charitable organization and community by awarding the individual with a VIP weekend at the 2015 US Open. The weekend includes airfare, hotel accommodations, tickets, participation in a tennis clinic on Arthur Ashe Stadium, a behind-the-scenes tour and an opportunity to meet a tennis legend.
“We are grateful for Emirates Airline’s generous support and commitment to the USTA’s mission of making the game more accessible for children and using tennis to have a positive impact on the community,” said Emirates Airline US Open Series General Manager J. Wayne Richmond.
In addition, Emirates hosts children from each event’s charitable organization for a day of tennis at the tournament, which includes a clinic with an ATP or WTA professional and tickets to the event. The schedule of Emirates Returns clinics is as follows:
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