Note No. 5648

                                                      7 February 2001

NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS

SECRETARY-GENERAL TO RECOGNIZE VIJAY AMRITRAJ, TENNIS STAR

AND SPORTS ANNOUNCER, AS MESSENGER OF PEACE

On Friday 9 February, Secretary-General Kofi Annan will honour former top-ranked tennis player Vijay Amritraj as a United Nations Messenger of Peace.  Since 1997, Secretary-General Kofi Annan has appointed seven prominent people to serve as Messengers of Peace -- individuals who possess widely recognized talents in the field of arts, literature, music and sports, who have agreed to help focus worldwide attention on the work of the United Nations.

A national of India, long-time tennis player, Mr. Amritraj competed in national and international events at the highest level, including at Wimbledon for 17 straight years and in the Davis Cup for 20 continuous years.  He served

5 terms –- from 1989 to 1994 –- as President of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour; an international tour with over 80 tournaments in

40 countries.  Since 1992, he has been the anchor and host of Wimbledon and other grand slam events coverage for STAR TV (now ESPN STAR Sports), reaching audiences in more than 60 countries in Asia and the Middle East. 

While still playing the senior tennis tour and international events, Mr. Amritraj has been a committed advocate for people in need.  Focusing on two deadly plagues that are destroying the very fabric of society –- drugs and HIV/AIDS -- he has devoted his time to raising awareness of these issues and their consequences.  He has participated in and organized charitable events worldwide, raising funds to fight the spread of AIDS.  Mr. Amritraj is associated with numerous Indian-American charitable and community organizations, participating in events to raise awareness and support for causes in India.  Mr. Amritraj is currently Chairman of The India Bridge.com, a broad-based Internet portal which provides global access to India-related information.  In cooperation with the State Bank of India, through The India Bridge.com, donations are being collected in the name of Gujarat Earthquake Relief Fund to assist the earthquake victims.

Pleased to accept the title, Mr. Amritraj stated “I am very honoured to represent the Secretary-General and the United Nations in this very special effort in promoting world peace as well as highlighting individual endeavours in support of the essential work of the United Nations.”

The Secretary-General will present Mr. Amritraj with a formal framed citation and a lapel pin in the form of a dove exclusively designed by artist

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                                                            7 February 2001

Leni Fuhrman for the Messengers of Peace.  The citation says, in part,

“...through your contributions to sports and charity, the message of peace will resound throughout the nations”.

For information on press accreditation, contact Sonia Lecca at (212) 963 6934.

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