In conjunction with Tennis Canada, Emirates Airline announced that it has become a platinum sponsor of the Rogers Cup presented by American Express, Canada’s leading tennis tournament taking place at the Rexall Centre in Toronto from August 11-19, 2007. Leading up to the launch of the airline’s first direct service from Toronto to Dubai, the sponsorship links Emirates to one of Canada’s long-standing sports traditions.

The Rogers Cup is one of 10 Tier 1 tournaments on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. The best women tennis players have been competing in Canada since 1892: only Wimbledon and the U.S. Open have longer histories.

“This is one of the premier women’s tennis events in the world and we’re pleased to be a part of it,” said Mary Heron, Emirates District Manager, Canada. “Sport is also an important part of our commitment to the communities we serve. To this end, we are speaking to Tennis Canada about supporting women’s tennis at a local level and hope to find a way to become involved.”

Known for its connection to some of the world’s largest sporting events including the FIFA World Cup, Emirates has a long-standing association with global sport. This year’s tennis tournament will mark a second appearance for the airline at local sporting events: the Emirates logo has been seen for the past three weeks at soccer venues across Canada as the official airline of the FIFA Under 20s World Cup.

“We’re proud that one of the most prestigious airlines in the world has chosen Tennis Canada as their first sports partner in Canada,” said Greg Wood, vice-president, corporate partnership, Tennis Canada. “Support from sponsors like Emirates help make this event possible and it reinforces Canada’s reputation as a host of world-class tennis. We look forward to another terrific year and welcome Emirates to the tournament.”

The contract between Emirates and Tennis Canada is for a minimum of two years. The financial terms were not disclosed.

A dedicated Emirates Day will be held on Thursday, August 16 at the event and will feature a host of activities and contests. Prizes will range from Emirates collateral giveaways to a grand prize of business class return tickets to Dubai.

Emirates begins non-stop service between Toronto and Dubai beginning October 29, pending Canadian government approval, with the new Boeing 777-300ER. It currently serves 92 destinations with 106 aircraft throughout Europe, The Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas.
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