RAFTER WINS
SECOND HEINEKEN STAR AWARD
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i the heineken Star award
u.s. Open Tennis Championships
On the day of the semi-finals
of the US Open the eventual
winner of the tournament,
Patrick Rafter, had already
picked up a prize in the form
of the Heineken Star Award.
He gained the award in
recognition of his outstanding
singles performance, as
voted by tennis fans across
the country.
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Rafter showed tenacity and stamina
in his matches at Flushing Meadow.
Those qualities came across most
clearly during his marathon match
against Andre Agassi when he
refused to give up despite attacks of
cramp. More than 5,000 calls were
taken on a special phone-in line
sponsored by Heineken. The pro
ceeds from the calls were donated to
the Arthur Ashe Foundation, of
which Heineken USA is a corporate
sponsor.
ARTHUR ASHE
Winning the Heineken Star Award
doesn't make the player rich. And
that is not the intention either. The
prize, amounting to 5,000 dollars, is
remitted directly by Heineken USA in
the winner's name to the Arthur
Ashe Foundation. "Our hope is that
the Heineken Star Award will remind
players and fans alike how important
it is to devote our time and talents,
as well as our money, to help others",
says Michael Foley, President and
Chief Executive Officer of Heineken
USA.
Last year the first Heineken Star
Award went to Pete Sampras. His
name also featured on this year's list
of candidates, as did those of Petr
Korda and Andre Agassi. But the
public's preference very soon became
clear. More than a quarter of the cal
lers were for the Australian. Many
wanted him to win the Award for his
achievements during the entire tour
nament, whilst most players recei
ved votes on the basis of a specific
match. Rafter was presented with
the Award, a crystal star designed by
Tiffany's in New York, by Michael
Foley.
