Martina Navratilova, WTA to be honored at Annalee Thurston reception
In conjunction with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Women’s Tennis Association, legendary player Martina Navratilova will be honored at the Annalee Thurston Award Reception on Saturday at Palm Valley Country Club in Palm Desert.
The official WTA anniversary is June 21. At the reception, WTA founder Billie Jean King will share what that moment was like, and the obstacles she faced in convincing 64 women to join with her. King was honored with the Annalee Thurston award last year.
Micky Lawler, the president of the WTA and another Thurston award recipient, will also speak. Tennis Hall of Famer Rosie Casals, who also played a role in the beginnings of the WTA, is also slated to speak.
A dinner at 6 p.m. will be followed by a reception and awards presentation at 7 p.m. Seats are $300 each and a table of 10 is $2,500.
Navratilova’s presence at the event has not been confirmed. The 59-time Grand Slam winner announced on Jan. 17 that she has stage 1 throat cancer.
WTA charities champion for change award
Peggy Michel, a former player who has been behind the scenes as president of sales for BNP Paribas Open, will be awarded the charities champion for change award at the reception.
“She is hugely responsible for helping secure BNP Paribas as the title sponsor of the fifth-largest tournament on tour,” Casals said. “Many of us here know her as a player and businesswoman.”
Rosie Cup at Woodhaven Country Club
Before the Saturday reception, a continental breakfast will be followed by the Rosie Cup round robin at Woodhaven Country Club in Palm Desert. Play begins at 8 a.m. and goes until 10 a.m.
For more information, or to reserve seats at the reception, email sportswomn@aol.com or call 760.772.9411.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: BNP Paribas Open: Martina Navratilova to be honored at reception
