Sharapova announces Sugarpova + ITHF partnership
January 10, 2014
NEWPORT R.I. — Sugarpova, a premium candy line that reflects the fun, fashionable, sweet side of international tennis sensation Maria Sharapova announced today their partnership with the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum in Newport, R.I. Sugarpova is the new official sponsor and an underwriter of the Hall of Fame’s Kids Free program, which provides free admission to the museum for children ages 16 and under, every day, year-round. The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum is the sport’s official, global Hall of Fame and the world’s most comprehensive museum dedicated to the sport of tennis.
“I am honored and thrilled to partner Sugarpova with the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, particularly in support of such an important program,” said Maria Sharapova, founder and creative director of Sugarpova, and the winner of four Grand Slam tournament titles. “I was lucky to discover the game at a young age, and I hope that visiting the museum will inspire young people to see the opportunities in tennis and the potential that exists when someone commits oneself to following a dream.”
“We are delighted and grateful to welcome Sugarpova as an official sponsor of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum. Maria is an extraordinary role model within the sport, and we appreciate her commitment toward our mission to inspire young people to get involved in tennis,” said Mark L. Stenning, CEO of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum. “The museum is an exciting place where families and children of all ages can explore the game’s rich history in an educational and entertaining way. By offering free admission to children we hope they will be inspired by the game’s traditions and become life-long players and fans.”
For 60 years, the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum has worked closely with tennis partners around the world to gather and preserve artifacts that showcase the sport’s rich history.
Through the Kids Free program, the next generation of players and fans are invited to learn about the sport. In the museum, tennis’ greatest moments come to life through video and photo presentations. The museum incorporates an extensive collection of memorabilia to showcase the sport’s history and honor its great champions. Kids have the unique opportunity to get up close to some of the sport’s most coveted trophies, including the actual US Open trophies, which are on display, when not in New York. In addition, kids who visit are often intrigued by historic pieces such as tennis dresses and lace up boots worn to play in the 19th century and awestruck by tennis gear and apparel worn by modern stars. In fact, Sharapova’s apparel from the 2012 French Open final, when she completed her career Grand Slam, is among the items in the collection.
To make the experience fun and educational for young visitors, children can participate in a Hall of Fame scavenger hunt, which guides them through the museum and encourages them to carefully examine the collections on display.
In addition to sponsoring the Kids Free program, Sugarpova candy will be featured in the three retail stores on the Hall of Fame property in Newport, and Hall of Fame fans will have access to special offers throughout the year. The retail stores will offer all 15 variations of the brand, which includes gumballs, gummy candies, sours, and more, all styled in fun, unexpected types and shapes-with playful names to match. A long time candy lover with a surprising sweet tooth, Sharapova created her own candy business in 2012 to offer an accessible bit of luxury, interpreting classic candies in her own signature style. A portion of sales from Sugarpova are donated to the Maria Sharapova Foundation, which supports her ongoing dedication to a charitable cause close to her heart.
The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. School groups, camps and other youth groups are welcome to utilize the Kids Free program and may call (401) 849-3990 to plan a visit.
For more information, visit Sugarpova at sugarpova.com or the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum at tennisfame.com