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Barbara Walters to Present Eugene L. Scott Award to Billie Jean King

NEW YORK, NY — Broadcasting legend Barbara Walters will present the Eugene L. Scott Award to tennis legend Billie Jean King at the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s “Legends Ball” on Friday, September 5th beginning at 6:30 pm at Cipriani 42nd Street, in New York City.

The Eugene L. Scott Award honors an individual who embodies Scott’s commitment to communicating honestly and critically about the game, and who has had a significant impact on the tennis world. Scott founded Tennis Week magazine and wrote the most widely read and well-respected column about the sport, “Vantage Point.” Andre Agassi was honored last year while John McEnroe received the inaugural award in 2006.

“We are thrilled that Barbara Walters, a true broadcasting pioneer will be joining us at our annual Legends Ball to present the prestigious Eugene L. Scott Award to Billie Jean King, another pioneer,” said Mark L. Stenning, Chief Executive Officer of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum. “The impact that these two women have had on our society stretches far beyond the newsrooms and the tennis courts so it’s fitting that they are brought together for this recognition on this special night.”

The event, held annually since 1980, brings the tennis world together to celebrate the history of the game and honor some of the sport’s great contributors all while raising money for the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum. A legendary line-up of tennis greats will be in attendance, including more than a dozen Hall of Famers, tennis dignitaries, the event’s Player Co-Chairs Jim Courier, Monica Seles and Owen Davidson plus Co-Chairs, Phil de Picciotto, President of Octagon Athletes & Personalities, Alexander M. Seaver, Managing Director of Stadium Capital Management LLC, and Peter Palandjian, Chairman and CEO of Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation and a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame Board of Directors.

In addition to honoring Ms. King and the “Class of 2008” - Michael Chang, Mark McCormick and Eugene L. Scott — the event will also recognize Sony Ericsson for the company’s ongoing contribution to tennis with the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Award. Last year, Rolex was recognized with the Cullman Award and in 2006, the French company BNP Paribas received the inaugural award.

Guests will also have the opportunity to bid upon once-in-a-lifetime experiences and unique items in a silent and live auction with all proceeds benefiting the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Some of the nearly 50 items up for bids include: hit sessions with Andre Agassi, Monica Seles and Jim Courier; tennis lessons from Mats Wilander and Tracy Austin; tickets to a host of Grand Slam events including the 2009 French Open, Australian Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open; exotic vacation packages to the Bahamas, Cabo San Lucas, Doha, Karma Bay Jamaica and Knysna South Africa; golf outings at top are courses such as Winged Foot Golf Club, the Stanwich Club, Plainfield Country Club and Trump National.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or to learn more about the event, call 212-843-1740 or e-mail legendsball@hgnyc.com. The mission of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, based in Newport, RI, is to preserve the history of tennis, inspire and encourage junior tennis development, enshrine tennis heroes and heroines and provide a landmark for tennis enthusiasts worldwide.

Posted on August 27, 2008
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