[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] Kia announced on the 8th that from the 19th to the 23rd of last month (local time), it conducted the ‘Kia Clubhouse’ program in Melbourne, Australia, providing tennis lessons and cultural experiences to youth from the Rafa Nadal Foundation.
The Kia Clubhouse program was held in connection with the 2023 Australian Open, which Kia officially sponsors. Eighteen youths from the Rafa Nadal Foundation, established by global ambassador Rafael Nadal, were invited.
Kia planned this program together with the Rafa Nadal Foundation to offer a special experience to children who have limited opportunities to engage with tennis.
Kia provided the children with opportunities to watch the Australian Open matches as well as lesson programs from famous Australian tennis influencer Sam Verg and Australian Open tennis coaches.
In particular, Kia rebuilt the Maidstone Footscray Tennis Club courts in Melbourne, which had been neglected, based on the key colors of the Australian Open and the Kia logo design, to conduct tennis lessons.
Children from the Rafa Nadal Foundation participating in the Kia Clubhouse program pose for a commemorative photo at Melbourne Park, the venue of the Australian Open. Photo by Kia
Kia also unveiled mural artworks inspired by tennis rally scenes from the 2009 and 2022 Australian Open finals, where Nadal won, through collaboration with local renowned artists ‘Jesrai’ and ‘Hisco’.
Furthermore, the artists and the children invited to the program completed the artworks together on site, adding greater significance.
Arthur Martins, Head of Kia Customer Experience Division, said, "The Kia Clubhouse program was designed to give dreams and inspiration to children who have few opportunities to experience tennis. We plan to continue meaningful activities together with Kia’s global ambassador Rafael Nadal."
Rafael Nadal stated, "Kia provided a special experience to the children of the Rafa Nadal Foundation through tennis. I hope this initiative spreads its influence not only in Melbourne but around the world."
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