USTA doubles Heart Award donation
Date published :
12 Nov 2009 - 09:04:29
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has announced that it will double the prize for Melanie Oudin, who became the inaugural winner of the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award last week.
Oudin received the award at the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Final in Reggio Calabria, where she was presented with a special Links bracelet and a cheque for $5,000.The cheque, which has now been increased to $10,000 by the USTA, will be donated to Oudin's chosen charity, Children's at Egleston a hospital in Atlanta where her younger sister received open heart surgery when she was four-years-old.
"I am very proud to announce that the USTA Board and I have elected to add an additional $5,000 to Melanie's award, so that a grand total of $10,000 can now be donated to her selected charity, Children's at Egleston," said Lucy Garvin, USTA President. I want to congratulate Melanie for being the first annual Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award recipient.
We thank the ITF for creating such a meaningful award. The Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award aims to recognise a player who has represented her country with distinction, shown exceptional courage on court and demonstrated outstanding commitment to the team during Fed Cup by BNP Paribas.The 2009 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award was decided by an online public vote, which took place on FedCup.com and FedCup.com/es. Oudin was nominated for the award along with Alexa Glatch, Flavia Pennetta and Francesca Schiavone.
Starting in 2010, a Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award will be presented to a different player after each round of the World Group.
