Rolex to Receive Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Award from International Tennis Hall of Fame
Agassi, Courier and Sanchez-Vicario among attendees at Legends Ball on Friday, Sept. 7 in New York CityFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kat Anderson
194 Bellevue Ave.
Newport,
401-849-3990
kat@tennisfame.com
07/19/07 - New York, NY -- Rolex, the leading name in timeless luxury watches, will be honored with the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Award by the International Tennis Hall of Fame for its ongoing contribution to the game at the annual “Legends Ball” on Friday, September 7, 2007. The tennis world will come together for its premier social event of the tennis season at Cipriani 42nd Street to honor the 2007 induction class, celebrate the sport and recognize its supporters.
“We are honored to be recognized by such a prestigious institution as the International Tennis Hall of Fame for our contribution to the game,” said Allen Brill, President and CEO of Rolex Watch U.S.A. “The Hall of Fame and the entire tennis community have been great partners for many years so it is rewarding to know that our support is appreciated.”
The Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Award was created in honor of an individual whose passion and generosity for the game of tennis inspired others from all walks of life to contribute to the advancement of the sport. Cullman served as President and Chairman of the International Tennis Hall of Fame from 1982-88, a tenure during which the organization was elevated to worldwide recognition. He hoped that visits to the historic site would inspire young people to play tennis, learn its history, and glorify the great players of the past. Last year, French company BNP Paribas received the inaugural award.
“Rolex has shown the same enthusiasm and love for the game and the community that Joe Cullman exhibited for so many years. We are proud to recognize Rolex and to reward them for their involvement with the game,” said Mark Stenning, CEO of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Rolex has a long history of supporting excellence in human endeavor and for nearly 30 years the company has been integrally involved in the sport of tennis. They have supported the International Tennis Hall of Fame by sponsoring the Campbell's Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, the Hall of Fame’s Enshrinement Weekend and the Legends Ball. Rolex has also been the Official Watch and Timekeeper of the Wimbledon Championships since 1978 and a presenting sponsor of the Masters Series Monte Carlo, the Official Timekeeper of the Davis Cup and a sponsor of numerous high-profile events such as the Fed Cup, Chennai Open, Dubai Tennis Championships, China Open and Madrid Masters Series. Rolex Ambassadors include current stars Roger Federer, Justine Henin, Andy Roddick and Marat Safin as well as former tennis great Vijay Amritraj.
The 2007 Legends Ball will showcase a powerful line-up of tennis greats, including up to two dozen Hall of Famers, tennis dignitaries and the event’s Player Co-Chairs Jim Courier, Monica Seles and Pam Shriver. The highly anticipated event will honor tennis legends for their contribution to the game and include a tribute to the 2007 Hall of Fame inductees Pete Sampras, Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, Russ Adams and Sven Davidson.
Another highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the second annual Eugene L. Scott Award to tennis great Andre Agassi. The award honors an individual who embodies Scott’s commitment to communicating honestly and critically about the game, and who has had a significant impact on the tennis world. Scott founded Tennis Week magazine and wrote the most widely read and well-respected column about the sport, “Vantage Point.” Last year, John McEnroe received the inaugural award.
Guests will have the opportunity to mingle with tennis royalty and enjoy the fabulous food and electric atmosphere at Cipriani while bidding on once-in-a-lifetime experiences in a silent and live auction. Previous auction items have included: a hit session with Sampras; golf with Jack Nicklaus; tickets to American Idol and The Grammy Awards; a weekend at the Wimbledon Finals; a one-week stay in a 4-bedroom villa in Jamaica; and exclusive rounds of golf at some of the top golf courses in America.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or to learn more about the event, call 212-843-1740 or e-mail legendsball@hgnyc.com.
The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum was established in 1954 and is a non-profit institution dedicated to preserving the history of tennis, inspiring and encouraging junior tennis development, enshrining tennis heroes and heroines, and providing a landmark for tennis enthusiasts worldwide.
Media Contacts:
Doug Drotman (doug@drotmanpr.com or 631-462-1198)
Kat Anderson (kat@tennisfame.com or 401-849-3990)
Event Date: 09/07/07
Event Title: Int'l. Tennis Hall of Fame Legends Ball, Cipriani, East 42nd St., New York City
