ABU DHABI // The Capitala Community Cup, a new tennis competition, provided a grand opportunity for the winners to link up with Abu Dhabi's first-ever international tennis tournament, which will play host to six of the world's best male tennis players. The invitational tournament, which includes Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray, will be played from Jan 1-3. The Community Cup saw children from all walks of life in Abu Dhabi and Dubai compete for a chance to take part in a unique 'star clinic' with one of the aces.
Chase Paul, a tennis enthusiast from Trinidad & Tobago, was one of the winners in the under 12 category and was thrilled to participate in the tournament over the weekend. He said: "It was so much fun playing in The Capitala Community Cup and I am very excited to play with the stars at the clinic, as I have never played with a professional tennis player before. "The fact that there will be some of the world's top players at the same tournament is awesome and exciting."
Nouna Hesham, a 12-year-old Egyptian, has been playing the game for the last five years and commented: "Playing in the Community Cup was a lot of fun and I met a lot of new players from different regions and cultures." Nouna's nine-year-old brother, Adham Hesham, who also has been playing tennis for five years, enthused: "It was fun. I played with many new kids, for a change, as I have played against the same people at many tournaments every time. The other kids here were very good."
Sport, like music, links people to a language of its own, building bridges, recognising talent and encouraging the youngsters to set the pace. The Capitala Community Cup offered all this and more. Peter Wilding, deputy CEO of Capitala said, "We are excited by the opportunities that this event has offered to local sports groups and individual talent. We hope to raise the level of awareness and excitement around this championship and give individuals the opportunity to have a piece of the action."
apassela@thenational.ae