Hall of Famer John McEnroe and ATP Star Tommy Haas Sign on for Sir Richard Branson-Hosted Pro-Am on His Private Island in First Necker Cup

    ALPHARETTA, GA, November 17, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Seven-time Grand Slam Champion and tennis Hall of Famer John McEnroe has agreed to play in the first annual Necker Cup, joining world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, the Bryan Brothers and other current and past ATP players in the Premier Tennis Travel hosted pro-am on Sir Richard Branson's private island, Necker Island, in the British Virgin Islands.

The 53-year-old McEnroe is currently leading the standings of the PowerShares Champions Tour with wins over Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Ivan Lendl, Jim Courier and Michael Chang.

Additionally, Necker Cup organizers at Premier Tennis Travel have announced that current ATP veteran, former World No. 2 and 2012 Comeback Player of the Year Tommy Haas has signed on to play in what is being billed as the world's most exclusive pro-am. A former Australian Open and Wimbledon semifinalist, Haas has won 14 career ATP singles and doubles titles, as well as a silver medal in the 2000 Olympic Games.

Amateurs can book a space in the Necker Cup Pro-Am by calling (001) 800.376.0975 or visiting www.neckercup.com. In addition, you can register to play in the Rosewood Little Dix Bay Legends Tennis Camp at www.neckercup.com/legends, which will take place at the same time nearby at the world-renowned resort at Virgin Gorda and will be hosted by Grand Slam doubles winners, the Jensen Brothers and noted tennis coach, author and father to the world's No. 1 doubles team, Wayne Bryan.

The Necker Cup is also pleased to announce the naming of official Necker Cup artist Stephen Gamson, a world-renowned American artist known for his unique style that is easily recognized for its bold iconic symbols and mass appeal. In 2010, Gamson was named the official Birthday Artist for the City of Miami and his work has been featured at the ATP Sony Ericsson Open tennis event. He was commissioned by Prince Albert II for the 67th Monaco Grand Prix and his art has been featured on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival.

Each evening will end with a unique cocktail and dinner experience concluding with an "End of the World" awards dinner, party and auction on Dec. 12 at Rosewood Little Dix Bay where the Legends Tennis Camp participants will have a chance to meet with Sir Richard and mingle with the past and current tennis stars.

Auction bidders can win a hitting session with Andre Agassi, tickets to the finals of the Australian Open that includes a VIP tour and meeting Roy Emerson, presidential box seats at The French Open that includes a hitting session with Cedric Pioline, tickets to the final rounds of The Masters Golf Tournament, lunch with film director Oliver Stone, an African Safari and much more. Anyone can bid in The Necker Cup auction by visiting ibidmobile.net/vu. One hundred percent of all donations from the auction will directly benefit the local BVI community, Virgin Unite, the National Tennis Foundation, Novak Djokovic Foundation and other ATP and WTA player charities.

In addition to the tennis, Necker Cup participants will get to learn from some of the world's most successful business leaders at the Virgin Unite Leadership Retreat with Sir Richard Branson. He will be joined by former Costa Rican President Jose Maria Figueres and Sylvia Alice Earle, named the first recipient of the Time Magazine Hero for the Planet. The oceanographer, explorer, author and lecturer is also an Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society. Sir Richard and his guests will discuss the role of Mother Nature and how business can play a role in protecting and valuing our planet.

For more information on the Necker Cup call 800.376.0975 or visit the website at: www.neckercup.com. Check the following sites for more information on Premier Tennis Travel (www.Premiertennistravel.com), Life Time Fitness (www.lifetimefitness.com) or Necker Island (www.neckerisland.com).

About Necker Cup 2012
Premier Tennis Travel will host a five-day world-class Pro-Am tennis event on Sir Richard Branson's private island, Necker Island, in the British Virgin Islands Dec. 9-13. Sir Richard will join eight current and former ATP and WTA legends to pair up with eight amateur teams of all levels. A handicapped scoring format will be used making it competitive tennis for all tennis levels. Teams consist of one pro and up to two amateurs. Teams compete to win their bracket and earn a chance to play in the Necker Cup Final.

Sir Richard will also join players and participants in a Virgin Unite Leadership Retreat at Temple House on Necker Island. As well as the tennis, participants can engage in typical Necker Island activities including paddle boarding, Pilates, sailing, kite boarding, wake boarding, snorkeling, massage therapy, parties and more. On the final night, an End of the World party will take place and will include an exhibition involving the top pros, an awards ceremony, and an auction. A portion of event profits and 100 percent of all auction proceeds will go to Virgin Unite, the National Tennis Foundation, and other leading ATP and WTA player 501(c) (3) charities. Please visit www.neckercup.com for more information.

About Necker Island
Necker Island is Sir Richard Branson's home and favourite hideaway situated in the British Virgin Islands, a stunning and unspoilt area of the Caribbean. At 74 acres, Necker sits in turquoise waters surrounded by coral reefs and fringed with beautiful white sandy beaches. The island can be hired exclusively or if you're not looking to hire it exclusively, you can still enjoy the Necker experience during Celebration Weeks when individual rooms can be booked by singles or couples to enjoy our fabulous island paradise 'house party' style. Necker Island is part of the award-winning luxury retreat portfolio - Virgin Limited Edition. www.neckerisland.virgin.com

About Virgin Unite
Virgin Unite is the non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group. We unite people and entrepreneurial ideas to reinvent how we live and work in the world to help make people's lives better. Our aim is to help revolutionize the way businesses, government and the social sector work together - driving business as a force for good. This is based on the belief that this is the only way we can tackle the scale and urgency of the challenges facing the world today. We also incubate new, independent approaches to global leadership including the Elders, the Carbon War Room, and the Branson Centres of Entrepreneurship.

Virgin Unite's overheads are covered by Sir Richard Branson and the Virgin Group, meaning that 100% of additional donations received go direct to the frontline where they are needed most.

For more information, please visit http://www.virginunite.com/, follow us on Twitter @virginunite and join the movement on facebook.com/VirginUnite.

About National Tennis Foundation
The National Tennis Foundation (NTF) is a nationally recognized 501(c) (3) charitable organization that has become a leading advocate for exceptional student athletes regardless of race or economic means. The NTF strives to provide scholarships to student athletes who seek annual, full, or part-time training programs that foster excellence in tennis and academics. For more information, visit http://www.nationaltennisfoundation.org/.

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