In Full Swing at the Lacoste Children of Determination Clinic

Over 100 children were part of an exciting day at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships this morning as they participated in the Children of Determination Clinic sponsored by French apparel and accessories brand Lacoste.

Children from Dubai Autism Center, Manzil Center and Heroes of Hope enjoyed tennis lessons on court with professional coaches from the Clark Francis Tennis Academy. Regional media and influencers joined the fun followed by a lunch onsite.

Clark Francis, Founder of the CF Tennis Academy said: “We have been assisting with this program for the last 20 years. We are so delighted to do it, so much so that we have not stopped at the clinic that we do within the tournament, but we also go to the schools free of charge. I must thank my coaches for all their support with this.”

Hollie Murphy, Sunmarke School, Heroes Of Hope: “Thank you Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships for supporting our believers and achievers, they had a wonderful time today and seeing them enjoy playing the sport strengthens our belief to continue initiatives such as these.”

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, said: “The Lacoste Clinic is a fantastic opportunity with an aim to spread awareness about the sport and give back. Community programmes such as these are invaluable in helping us create a legacy in the region from this event”.

Tournament Director, Salah Tahlak said, “It was wonderful to see the children enjoying and getting the chance to play some tennis as part of the Lacoste Clinic and we are very proud to be associated with such an initiative for several years, we enjoy seeing these children get such a great experience.”

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, which 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, begins with the WTA event which continues until 22nd February and is then followed between 24th and 29th February by the ATP tournament which features Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Gael Monfils and Roberto Bautista Agut.