ALPHARETTA, GA, November 17, 2012 (Press-News.org) Seven-time Grand Slam Champion and tennis Hall of Famer John McEnroe has agreed to play in the first annual Necker Cup, joining world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, the Bryan Brothers and other current and past ATP players in the Premier Tennis Travel hosted pro-am on Sir Richard Branson's private island, Necker Island, in the British Virgin Islands.
The 53-year-old McEnroe is currently leading the standings of the PowerShares Champions Tour with wins over Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Ivan Lendl, Jim Courier and Michael Chang.
Additionally, Necker Cup organizers at Premier Tennis Travel have announced that current ATP veteran, former World No. 2 and 2012 Comeback Player of the Year Tommy Haas has signed on to play in what is being billed as the world's most exclusive pro-am. A former Australian Open and Wimbledon semifinalist, Haas has won 14 career ATP singles and doubles titles, as well as a silver medal in the 2000 Olympic Games.
Amateurs can book a space in the Necker Cup Pro-Am by calling (001) 800.376.0975 or visiting www.neckercup.com. In addition, you can register to play in the Rosewood Little Dix Bay Legends Tennis Camp at www.neckercup.com/legends, which will take place at the same time nearby at the world-renowned resort at Virgin Gorda and will be hosted by Grand Slam doubles winners, the Jensen Brothers and noted tennis coach, author and father to the world's No. 1 doubles team, Wayne Bryan.
The Necker Cup is also pleased to announce the naming of official Necker Cup artist Stephen Gamson, a world-renowned American artist known for his unique style that is easily recognized for its bold iconic symbols and mass appeal. In 2010, Gamson was named the official Birthday Artist for the City of Miami and his work has been featured at the ATP Sony Ericsson Open tennis event. He was commissioned by Prince Albert II for the 67th Monaco Grand Prix and his art has been featured on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival.
Each evening will end with a unique cocktail and dinner experience concluding with an "End of the World" awards dinner, party and auction on Dec. 12 at Rosewood Little Dix Bay where the Legends Tennis Camp participants will have a chance to meet with Sir Richard and mingle with the past and current tennis stars.
Auction bidders can win a hitting session with Andre Agassi, tickets to the finals of the Australian Open that includes a VIP tour and meeting Roy Emerson, presidential box seats at The French Open that includes a hitting session with Cedric Pioline, tickets to the final rounds of The Masters Golf Tournament, lunch with film director Oliver Stone, an African Safari and much more. Anyone can bid in The Necker Cup auction by visiting ibidmobile.net/vu. One hundred percent of all donations from the auction will directly benefit the local BVI community, Virgin Unite, the National Tennis Foundation, Novak Djokovic Foundation and other ATP and WTA player charities.
In addition to the tennis, Necker Cup participants will get to learn from some of the world's most successful business leaders at the Virgin Unite Leadership Retreat with Sir Richard Branson. He will be joined by former Costa Rican President Jose Maria Figueres and Sylvia Alice Earle, named the first recipient of the Time Magazine Hero for the Planet. The oceanographer, explorer, author and lecturer is also an Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society. Sir Richard and his guests will discuss the role of Mother Nature and how business can play a role in protecting and valuing our planet.
For more information on the Necker Cup call 800.376.0975 or visit the website at: www.neckercup.com. Check the following sites for more information on Premier Tennis Travel (www.Premiertennistravel.com), Life Time Fitness (www.lifetimefitness.com) or Necker Island (www.neckerisland.com).
About Necker Cup 2012
Premier Tennis Travel will host a five-day world-class Pro-Am tennis event on Sir Richard Branson's private island, Necker Island, in the British Virgin Islands Dec. 9-13. Sir Richard will join eight current and former ATP and WTA legends to pair up with eight amateur teams of all levels. A handicapped scoring format will be used making it competitive tennis for all tennis levels. Teams consist of one pro and up to two amateurs. Teams compete to win their bracket and earn a chance to play in the Necker Cup Final.
Sir Richard will also join players and participants in a Virgin Unite Leadership Retreat at Temple House on Necker Island. As well as the tennis, participants can engage in typical Necker Island activities including paddle boarding, Pilates, sailing, kite boarding, wake boarding, snorkeling, massage therapy, parties and more. On the final night, an End of the World party will take place and will include an exhibition involving the top pros, an awards ceremony, and an auction. A portion of event profits and 100 percent of all auction proceeds will go to Virgin Unite, the National Tennis Foundation, and other leading ATP and WTA player 501(c) (3) charities. Please visit www.neckercup.com for more information.
About Necker Island
Necker Island is Sir Richard Branson's home and favourite hideaway situated in the British Virgin Islands, a stunning and unspoilt area of the Caribbean. At 74 acres, Necker sits in turquoise waters surrounded by coral reefs and fringed with beautiful white sandy beaches. The island can be hired exclusively or if you're not looking to hire it exclusively, you can still enjoy the Necker experience during Celebration Weeks when individual rooms can be booked by singles or couples to enjoy our fabulous island paradise 'house party' style. Necker Island is part of the award-winning luxury retreat portfolio - Virgin Limited Edition. www.neckerisland.virgin.com
About Virgin Unite
Virgin Unite is the non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group. We unite people and entrepreneurial ideas to reinvent how we live and work in the world to help make people's lives better. Our aim is to help revolutionize the way businesses, government and the social sector work together - driving business as a force for good. This is based on the belief that this is the only way we can tackle the scale and urgency of the challenges facing the world today. We also incubate new, independent approaches to global leadership including the Elders, the Carbon War Room, and the Branson Centres of Entrepreneurship.
Virgin Unite's overheads are covered by Sir Richard Branson and the Virgin Group, meaning that 100% of additional donations received go direct to the frontline where they are needed most.
For more information, please visit http://www.virginunite.com/, follow us on Twitter @virginunite and join the movement on facebook.com/VirginUnite.
About National Tennis Foundation
The National Tennis Foundation (NTF) is a nationally recognized 501(c) (3) charitable organization that has become a leading advocate for exceptional student athletes regardless of race or economic means. The NTF strives to provide scholarships to student athletes who seek annual, full, or part-time training programs that foster excellence in tennis and academics. For more information, visit http://www.nationaltennisfoundation.org/.
Hall of Famer John McEnroe and ATP Star Tommy Haas Sign on for Sir Richard Branson-Hosted Pro-Am on His Private Island in First Necker Cup
Seven-time Grand Slam champion and Haas added to pro-am field joining Novak Djokovic, Sir Richard Branson and Bryan Brothers in Dec. 9-13 event presented by Premier Tennis Travel.
2012-11-17
[Attachments] See images for this press release:
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
Rocket21 & Captain Planet Foundation Launch Environmental Contest for Youth; Winning Students will Attend ECO-Celebration Honoring President Jimmy Carter & Sir Richard Branson
2012-11-17
Rocket21 (the new social network where kids explore amazing possibilities for their lives and futures) and the Captain Planet Foundation (supporting hands-on environmental projects for children and youth) today announced a contest to increase awareness of green careers and sustainable lifestyle choices among GenerationZ youth.
The promotion is a part of Rocket21's Dream Here Dream Big Series - and four passionate students will win an unforgettable evening.
"Rocket21 is about supporting all kids' dreams, every single day. But we are also scanning the globe 24/7 ...
Matt Clark Appointed Vice President of Operations for Corcentric
2012-11-17
Corcentric, a leading provider of Accounts Payable automation solutions, announces the appointment of Matt Clark to the role of Vice President of Operations. Matt joined Corcentric in 2004 as a Sales Executive and has been a key player in the organization's record growth.
Prior to his tenure at Corcentric, Matt worked as a Project Manager for Infolinx System Solutions where he managed the implementation of records management solutions at large government agencies like The National Institute of Health (NIH) and DC Child Support.
During his time at Corcentric, he has ...
Global Gold Demand Reflects Challenging Global Economic Climate: ETFs Up 56% and India Up 9% in Q3 2012
2012-11-17
Gold demand remains resilient. Q3 2012 was above the five year quarterly average of 984.7t, according to the World Gold Council's Gold Demand Trends Report.
In value terms gold demand was 14.0% lower year on year at $57.6bn and the average gold price of $1,652/oz was down 3% on the record average Q3 2011 price.
The key findings from the report are as follows:
- Global investment in ETFs over the quarter was up significantly by 56% on the previous year.
- The Indian market is showing signs of recovery, up 9% to 223.1t from 204.8t in Q3 2011 following increases in ...
Firelight Fusion Electronic Cigarettes Offers Better Deals and Free Shipping for Smokers
2012-11-17
Everyone knows that Firelight Fusion means savings, but the company continues to add deal after deal to their offerings that makes the product and company irresistible to smokers looking to switch from smoking tobacco.
On top of their low prices, they now offer free shipping and a free battery program when re-ordering cartridges. They also offer bundles of their electronic cigarette starter kit that are designed to make the smokers life as easy as possible.
"We designed bundle kits to help keep startup cost low for smokers looking to switch to the electronic ...
Location, location, location: Membrane 'residence' gives proteases novel abilities
2012-11-16
Johns Hopkins scientists have discovered a new mode of action for enzymes immersed in cellular membranes. Their experiments suggest that instead of recognizing and clipping proteins based on sequences of amino acids, these proteases' location within membranes gives them the unique ability to recognize and cut proteins with unstable structures.
In a report published online Nov. 13 in the new journal eLife, the Johns Hopkins scientists say their study results are the first to shed light on how these enzymes make use of their native environment to function. The particular ...
Study offers clues to cause of kids' brain tumors
2012-11-16
Insights from a genetic condition that causes brain cancer are helping scientists better understand the most common type of brain tumor in children.
In new research, scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified a cell growth pathway that is unusually active in pediatric brain tumors known as gliomas. They previously identified the same growth pathway as a critical contributor to brain tumor formation and growth in neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1), an inherited cancer predisposition syndrome.
"This suggests that the tools we've been developing ...
Himalayan glaciers will shrink even if temperatures hold steady
2012-11-16
Come rain or shine (or even snow), some glaciers of the Himalayas will continue shrinking for many years to come.
The forecast by Brigham Young University geology professor Summer Rupper comes after her research on Bhutan, a region in the bull's-eye of the monsoonal Himalayas. Published in Geophysical Research Letters, Rupper's most conservative findings indicate that even if climate remained steady, almost 10 percent of Bhutan's glaciers would vanish within the next few decades. What's more, the amount of melt water coming off these glaciers could drop by 30 percent.
Rupper ...
Fetus suffers when mother lacks vitamin C
2012-11-16
Maternal vitamin C deficiency during pregnancy can have serious consequences for the foetal brain. And once brain damage has occurred, it cannot be reversed by vitamin C supplements after birth. This is shown through new research at the University of Copenhagen just published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE.
Population studies show that between 10-20 per cent of all adults in the developed world suffer from vitamin C deficiency. Therefore, pregnant women should think twice about omitting the daily vitamin pill.
"Even marginal vitamin C deficiency in the mother stunts ...
Children who swim start smarter
2012-11-16
Children who learn how to swim at a young age are reaching many developmental milestones earlier than the norm.
Researchers from the Griffith Institute for Educational Research surveyed parents of 7000 under-fives from Australia, New Zealand and the US over three years.
A further 180 children aged 3, 4 and 5 years have been involved in intensive testing, making it the world's most comprehensive study into early-years swimming.
Lead researcher Professor Robyn Jorgensen says the study shows young children who participate in early-years swimming achieve a wide range ...
Into the magnetic resonance scanner with a cuddly toy
2012-11-16
For the first time, Bochum clinicians have been able to show on the basis of a large sample, that it is possible to examine children's heads in the MRI scanner without general anaesthesia or other medical sedation. In many cases it was sufficient to prepare the young patients for the examination in an age-appropriate manner in order to take away their fear of the tube. And the results speak for themselves: of the 2461 image sequences recorded with 326 patients, the participating radiologists classified 97 percent as "diagnostically relevant". At the same time, through his ...
LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:
Soccer heading damages brain regions affected in CTE
Autism and neural dynamic range: insights into slower, more detailed processing
AI can predict study results better than human experts
Brain stimulation effectiveness tied to learning ability, not age
Making a difference: Efficient water harvesting from air possible
World’s most common heart valve disease linked to insulin resistance in large national study
Study unravels another piece of the puzzle in how cancer cells may be targeted by the immune system
Long-sought structure of powerful anticancer natural product solved by integrated approach
World’s oldest lizard wins fossil fight
Simple secret to living a longer life
Same plant, different tactic: Habitat determines response to climate
Drinking plenty of water may actually be good for you
Men at high risk of cardiovascular disease face brain health decline 10 years earlier than women
Irregular sleep-wake cycle linked to heightened risk of major cardiovascular events
Depression can cause period pain, new study suggests
Wistar Institute scientists identify important factor in neural development
New imaging platform developed by Rice researchers revolutionizes 3D visualization of cellular structures
To catch financial rats, a better mousetrap
Mapping the world's climate danger zones
Emory heart team implants new blood-pumping device for first time in U.S.
Congenital heart defects caused by problems with placenta
Schlechter named Cancer Moonshot Scholar
Two-way water transfers can ensure reliability, save money for urban and agricultural users during drought in Western U.S., new study shows
New issue of advances in dental research explores the role of women in dental, clinical, and translational research
Team unlocks new insights on pulsar signals
Great apes visually track subject-object relationships like humans do
Recovery of testing for heart disease risk factors post-COVID remains patchy
Final data and undiscovered images from NASA’s NEOWISE
Nucleoporin93: A silent protector in vascular health
Can we avert the looming food crisis of climate change?
[Press-News.org] Hall of Famer John McEnroe and ATP Star Tommy Haas Sign on for Sir Richard Branson-Hosted Pro-Am on His Private Island in First Necker CupSeven-time Grand Slam champion and Haas added to pro-am field joining Novak Djokovic, Sir Richard Branson and Bryan Brothers in Dec. 9-13 event presented by Premier Tennis Travel.