WATERFRONT Urban Development Sdn Bhd director and tennis enthusiast, Johnson Koh will bring some game to the CEO and Celebrity Charity Tennis on Dec 9.
The Sabah Tennis Association president is the first participant from this state to compete in the event since its inception in 2008.
The tournament, which is to raise funds for the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) Charity Fund to help young Malaysians with serious medical problems, will be held at National Tennis Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
"I had heard about the event a few years back since I am in the tennis circle.
"This time I decided to join as it is a good programme to help those underprivileged, but at the same time as a keen tennis player, I would like to promote the sport," Koh said. Koh, who names Swiss tennis great and World No 2 Roger Federer and China's woman professional Li Na as his favourite players, believes he has an advantage despite it being his first time entering the tournament.
"I expect some good competition ... but ultimately I'd like to make sure we in Sabah are represented during this tournament," he added.
As for his preparation, the 59-year-old said playing tennis is already a daily routine for him.
"I don't think I need to do additional training," said Koh, who has been involved in the game for more than 40 years. The CEO and Celebrity Charity Tennis event raised RM61,160 in 2010 when it was last held.
Besides generating funds for charity, it also aims to inspire the younger generation to take up tennis by showing successful personalities like CEOs and celebrities' involvement in the game.
To enter, each player will have to contribute a minimum of RM1,000 as participation fee while companies wanting to become corporate donors must purse RM5,000 to have their logos in the tournament's publicity material.- www.nst.com.my
