ALWAYS looking for ways to help the Filipino youth become better athletes and members of the community, Globe pressed Rafa Nadal into service by conducting a clinic to teach the finer points of the game.
Nadal came to the Philippines not just to play tennis to entertain his fans, but also found the occasion teach young Filipino tennis players how to become world class players.
Rafa’s coach and uncle Toni Nadal led the tennis clinic, with 60 youthful Filipino tennis players participating, at the Colegio de San Agustin in Makati.
Globe Vice President for Postpaid Business Erli Valdez said Globe exerts every effort to bring the public’s passions closer to them, from music to movies and sports.
“We’d like to give our customers who are also major tennis fans the best access so they can meet and see live their favorite players. Through the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy Clinic, not only will our customers see Nadal live, they also get to be a part of a worthy cause by supporting our young tennis talents,” said Valdez.
Former world no. 1 tennis player Nadal, dubbed as King of the Clay, has won 14 Grand Slam Singles titles. He is currently ranked 5th in the ATP Singles ranking.
Nadal, who competed in the International Premier Tennis League for the Micromax Indian Aces, said he was happy to personally teach Filipino children about the game he loves and about life as well.
“In life it is important for people to have you. To be with them. To be an example to everybody. Just to help a little bit. To help and work and give opportunities to the kids,” said Nadal.
Participants to the clinic included the most promising Filipino players six to 16 years old. Joining them are homegrown tennis champions, siblings Miko and Alexandra Eala who have won championships in competitions such as the Casely International Tennis Championship and the Little Mo International Grand Slam Championship.
The participants got an advance experience of the Rafa Nadal Academy in Nadal’s hometown in Manacor (Mallorca), Spain which will officially open its doors in May 2016.
The academy combines tennis and education to help students continue on to become professional tennis. Its main objective is to maximize the potential of every player so that they have the opportunity to become professional players without abandoning their studies.
As a primer for the fans before the live tennis clinic, Globe earlier held a Nadal fan-night Vamos Rafa where Nadal fans participated in an exciting quiz night for a chance to win tickets to meet and see Nadal live during the tennis clinic.
“It truly is gratifying for us to see our customers happy with activities like this. This further inspires us to pursue similar partnerships that will bring them closer to what they love,” said Valdez.