Pete Sampras has been awarded
the first Heinken Star Award. His
grit, determination and ability to lift
the level of his play in coming from
behind to defeat Alex Corretja in
their five-set, quarter final match.
Tom Gullikson accepted the award
on behalf of Sampras - a $5,000
donation to the Tim and Tom
Gullikson Foundation and a crystal
star trophy. Michael Foley, President
of Heineken USA, presented the
award to Gullikson prior to the semi
final matches.
DAVIS (UP
Heineken's involvement is not
limited to the US Open and the
Singapore Open. The company is
now also closely involved in
Holland's only grass tournament,
the Heineken Trophy, which is held
two weeks before Wimbledon and is
used increasingly as a convenient
warm-up event.
This year, Heineken is also spon
soring all the Davis Cup matches
played across the world. The appeal
of the Davis Cup is that players do
not compete for financial rewards,
but only for the honour of their na
tive country. A total of 176 count
ries, divided into various regions
and classes, are taking part.
raising the level of his game - the
two criteria used by the judging
panel, which was composed of all the
reporters present. The panel did not
care who eventually won the tourna
ment. All matches up to and includ
ing the semi-finals were taken into
account.
The winner received a crystal tro
phy designed by Tiffany Company
and a $5,000 prize to be donated to a
charity of his/her choice.
Brand Manager Phil Dolan of
Heineken U$A explains the decision
to create the $tar Award, 'We came
up with this prize partly in response
to comments made by players, who
wished to broaden the game's appeal
and give something back to the com
munity. The award achieves both
goals. It rewards those who play well
and put in that extra effort, which is
so appreciated by the sports fans.
More importantly, the prize benefits
people in need.'
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Tom Gullikson (right) receives the
Heineken Star Award from Michael
Foley, President of Heineken USA
