SBC News GVC Foundation backs Eastern European Championship tennis appeal

GVC Foundation backs Eastern European Championship tennis appeal

GVC Holdings will back tennis’ ‘Eastern European Championship’ charity initiative to raise vital funds in support of international COVID-19 relief efforts.

Held in Belgrade at the ‘Tipsarevic Academy’, the Eastern European Championship is a six-week exhibition tournament (15 June – 23 July) created by former tour pro Janko Tipsarevic to raise funds for COVID-19 and tennis development charities.

The special event marks the welcome return for ATP and WTA professional tennis under COVID-19 circumstances, featuring Eastern Europe’s highest-ranking male and female players.

Through its ‘GVC Global Foundation’, GVC confirmed that it will act as lead sponsor Eastern European Championship event, in which FTSE100 betting group has made an initial donation of €20,000 towards the tournament’s charity appeal.

Martin Lycka, GVC’s Director of Regulatory Affairs and Trustee of the GVC Global Foundation, commented: “The GVC Foundation aims to support and promote a variety of good causes through our association with sport.

“At this moment there is no greater challenge than tackling the global pandemic and we are proud to be raising funds to support those on the frontline. We’d also like to thank Janko and his team, for his efforts to create the Championship from scratch, in such a short space of time.”

GVC will make additional contributions to its championship donation by launching its ‘€100 per ace served’ pledge during the final weeks of the tournament.

The Championship will be broadcast live across the world via the Tennis Channel throughout June and July, distributed by Sportradar, with socially distanced crowds in attendance in full respect of local guidance.

Tipsarevic said: “We are delighted to have the GVC Global Foundation on board as our title partner. What began as a way to keep local players sharp during the pandemic has taken on a life of its own and it is incredible that it has turned into such a big event. Given the circumstances, it seems entirely fitting that we can use the tournament to do our bit and support COVID-19 relief.”

Check Also

SBC News ITIA sanctions James Blake for promoting tennis betting

ITIA sanctions James Blake for promoting tennis betting

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has announced that James Blake has accepted a sanction …

SBC News ITIA makes two long-term suspensions for betting-related offences

ITIA makes two long-term suspensions for betting-related offences

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has suspended French tennis player Leny Mitjana for a …

SBC News EPIC and Entain to educate minor MLB stars on gambling harm

EPIC and Entain to educate minor MLB stars on gambling harm

EPIC Global Solutions and the Entain Foundation US have formed a deal with Major League …