Dubai tennis schools programme a big hit

Nearly one thousand children from 11 schools participating in the Partner Schools Programme. (Supplied photo)

Schools across Dubai have been getting into the swing of things in the lead up to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, with nearly one thousand children from 11 schools participating in the Partner Schools Programme.
Schools across the emirate have been invited to participate in the programme, which was developed to create a legacy from the Championships by providing children with the opportunity to try tennis, and to get involved with the event through academic and sporting activities and through participation in the always popular JP Morgan Kids' Days.
The eleven selected Partner Schools have been visited in the weeks leading up to the tournament with the students participating in a tennis taster clinic with teachers and coaches, playing the Championships tennis inflatable game, meeting the mascots Ace and Annette, and seeing the trophy.
Schools who participate in the programme are also invited to the J.P.Morgan Kids' Days on Mondays of both the WTA and ATP week.
The Partner Schools Programme, now in its second year, was again a great success. Matthew Rushworth, Head of History and Politics at Partner School Dubai College, said: "Our students had a fantastic time last Thursday, testing their target practice on the tennis inflatable, mingling with mascots Ace and Annette and getting their hands on the coveted DDF Tennis Championship trophies. Thanks so much for giving them this opportunity!"
In addition, Partner Schools are invited to nominate children between the ages of 11-18 years to be part of the 'Junior Reporter" programme. 
The selected children are given the opportunity to participate in post-match press conferences and to ask a question of one of the tennis players during their interview. The Junior Reporter will also have a photograph taken with the player, and be given a tour of the media room.
And in a new initiative this year, the first ever Tennis Academy Youth day will be conducted on the first day of the tournament. The day will offer over 500 students at Tennis Emirates affiliated academies the opportunity to participate in a tennis skills and drills clinic, and the chance to interact with some star tennis players.
Tournament director Salah Tahlak said "It is great to see so many children engaging in our programmes and activities. Creating a legacy in the community through increasing participation in tennis is important to us and we are proud to be introducing new activities and participation opportunities each year to support and enhance our outreach programme."
Two weeks of spectacular entertainment begins with the WTA event which takes place 17th to 23rd February, which features an incredible nine of the world's top 10, led by reigning US and Australian Open champion and world No .1 Naomi Osaka.
The sensational week of women's tennis will be followed by an equally thrilling men's event commencing on 25th February, and concluding on 2 March. The men's field features seven-time champion Roger Federer, Australian Open semifinalist Stefanos Tsitsipas, defending champion and recent Doha winner Roberto Bautista Agut, former US Open winner Marin Cilic and two-time finalist Tomas Berdych.