Jan-Michael Gambill & Justin Gimelstob Headline Inaugural Newton Motorsports Pro Tennis Classic Charity Exhibition
Event hosted by picturesque Lake Mohawk Tennis Club in Sparta on Sunday, August 10
www.SpartaTennis.net
SPARTA, NJ, June 16, 2008 – The eyes of the tennis world shift to the beautiful lakefront town of Sparta, NJ on Sunday, August 10th. The inaugural Newton Motorsports Pro Tennis Classic represents an unprecedented opportunity for area residents to see high level, world-class tennis played right in their backyard at the Lake Mohawk Tennis Club. The interactive and exciting format of the event, which begins at 1:00 PM, features pro sets of singles and doubles accompanied by music.
Gambill is a three-time ATP tournament winner and former world ranked #14 player who was voted one of People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People in the World” in 2000. He holds career wins over tennis icons Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, current world #1 Roger Federer as well as former world #1 Lleyton Hewitt, whom Gambill defeated to win his first career ATP title in 1999. Gambill will arrive in Sparta in top form, having spent the month of July playing for World TeamTennis’ Boston Lobsters, who made Gambill their first round draft earlier this year.
One of Morristown’s own, Gimelstob returns to New Jersey holding career wins over legends such as Agassi, Patrick Rafter, Mark Philippousis, and three-time French Open Champion Gustavo Kuerten. Gimelstob has also teamed up with Venus Williams to win Grand Slam Mixed Doubles titles at the Australian Open and French Open. Currently a leading television commentator and blogger for Sports Illustrated, Gimelstob represented his country as a member of the U.S. Davis Cup team in 1998 and 2001. Earlier this year, he was drafted by the Washington Kastles of the World TeamTennis Pro League.
Both Gambill and Gimelstob are excited to bring professional-level tennis to Sparta. “I’m looking forward to returning home to be a part of the very first Newton Motorsports Tennis Classic,” Gimelstob says. Gambill promises, “We’re going to put on a show for the tennis fans of New Jersey and, coming from the Pacific Northwest, I’m looking forward to a fun weekend in the lake town of Sparta, which I hear is beautiful.”
Mark Macler, event organizer for Skyland Events and a Sparta resident, noted that hosting this event is a true honor for the community, giving area residents an opportunity to experience professional-level tennis while supporting the two outstanding charities that will be the beneficiaries of proceeds from the Newton Motorsports Pro Tennis Classic.
“After a careful review of some very deserving groups, we have selected The Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation for ovarian cancer research and the Newton Memorial Hospital Foundation as the recipients of event proceeds.” Macler further noted, “To have players of Jan-Michael and Justin’s stature willing to assist with such a phenomenal cause is a blessing for our event. We hope people from across New Jersey will come out to support these wonderful groups and to see world-class tennis in our own backyard leading us up to the U.S. Open.”
Sunday’s tennis action will cap off a full weekend of activities along the Sparta boardwalk. It all begins with event sponsor Sparta Athletic Club’s junior tennis clinic on Saturday, August 9 from Noon to 2:00 PM. This free clinic is open to any child between 10-18 years of age interested in learning about the sport of tennis and will feature many of the event’s stars assisting club pros. Interested parents should contact Sparta Athletic Club at 973-729-9141 to complete required paperwork and confirm a position.
A ticket package may also be purchased for the Pro-Am, which offers a limited number of lucky patrons the once-in-a-lifetime chance to play with and learn from touring professional tennis players, along with photo and autograph opportunities. This package offers one playing spot in the Pro-Am, as well as admission to the event.
Sponsorship opportunities and Pro-Am slots remain available on a limited basis. Interested parties may contact Mark Macler, Event Director, at 973-729-5010 or 610-996-0280 (mobile).
Tickets for the event, Pro Am and VIP/Sponsor party are available by phone at 973-729-5010, mail or online at
www.SpartaTennis.net
THE KALEIDOSCOPE OF HOPE FOUNDATION
The Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation was organized by three ovarian cancer survivors: Gail MacNeil of Chatham Township and Patricia Stewart-Busso and Lois Myers of Harding Township. Since the foundation's inception in 2000, they have contributed more than one million dollars to fund ovarian cancer research initiatives at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, The Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia and The Ohio State University. Its fundraising walkathons in September, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, have become an important forum for New Jerseyans touched by ovarian cancer. The three 2008 events, in Morristown (September 14), Lyndhurst (September 21) and Avon-by-the-Sea (September 27), draw hundreds of participants and raise thousands of dollars. The September 2007 “Turn the Towns Teal” campaign to raise awareness of ovarian cancer will be expanded in 2008 to cover much of New Jersey in teal ribbons. Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecological cancers in the U.S.
THE NEWTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
The Newton Memorial Hospital Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Newton Memorial Hospital, exists to serve the present and future health and wellness needs of our community and beyond, as defined by Newton Memorial Hospital. Proceeds from the event will go to expand services and add equipment to Newton Memorial Hospital to better serve the needs of residents who rely on the Hospital for their healthcare needs. Funds raised will be used on improvements and upgrades to the Newton Memorial Hospital Maternity Unit and Women’s Health Initiative.
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Information and Sponsorship
Mark Macler, Event Director
973.729.5010
610.996.0280 (mobile)
mark@skylandevents.com
