KIDS TAKE 2010 FINALISTS TO COURT

Johannesburg, South Africa - February 3, 2010

Charities hold court on SA Open finals day

The 2010 SA Open singles and doubles finalists will be led on to court on Sunday by children from two Montecasino-supported charities.'

In a grand gesture, the SA Open hosts, the South African Tennis Association, have decided that children chosen from two charity organizations will walk out with the finalists before the start of the matches on finals day.

It has become fashionable at some of the world's greatest sporting showpieces for children to accompany players on to the field of play before the start of matches.

The two Montecasino-supported charities are the Oasis Haven of Love Foundation and the Walter Sisulu Paediatric Cardiac Centre for Africa.

The Oasis Haven of Love Foundation has as its focus orphaned and abandoned HIV positive children who have a tremendous need for a home where children of all cultures and religions can be cared for in a warm, loving, homely environment.

The organization is also faced with the challenge of an increasing number of babies born with AIDS, in desperate need of loving care and has purchased a home for babies based in Randburg, known as the Oasis Home for Abandoned and AIDS Babies.

The Walter Sisulu Paediatric Cardiac Centre for Africa (WSPCCA) is situated at Netcare’s Sunninghill Hospital, Johannesburg. It is a 16-bed dedicated paediatric cardiac intensive care unit.

Former State President Nelson Mandela said in his address at the opening of the WSPCCA: “The Walter Sisulu Paediatric Cardiac Centre for Africa is an initiative that deserves the support of all of us - private and corporate."

The children who will grace Sunday's on-court finals ceremony are Wesley - 5 years, Jamie - 8yrs, Nombulelo - 6yrs (all WSPCCA),  Princess - 10yrs, Christopher - 8yrs and Melo - 6yrs of Oasis.