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Eastbourne Tennis Champ to Enter the Jungle

12 November 2008

A tennis legend with 11 Eastbourne tournament singles titles under her belt and awarded Freedom of the Borough is about to enter the Australian jungle for the latest series of ‘I'm a Celebrity...'

 

According to reports in this week's papers, Martina Navratilova, will take part in the eighth series of ITV1's reality TV series, I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, which starts this weekend. Navratilova was a regular visitor to Eastbourne for over 20 years and three years ago was awarded the Freedom of Eastbourne, recognising the international tennis ace's contribution to the town.

 

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said "Martina has a great connection with Eastbourne, having played tennis here for so many years and it will be exciting to watch how the tennis star gets on in the jungle. With the international tennis tournament such a huge part of Eastbourne's annual event calendar, we have seen many greats win the title and are looking forward to the introduction of the combined men and women's tournament next year."

 

The resort's affection for Navratilova was recognised in 2005 when she was awarded the Freedom of the Borough, the highest civic honour which can be bestowed by Eastbourne Borough Council.

 

With the International Women's Open played in the town for 33 years, Eastbourne will see a new highlight in its tennis history next year when the AEGON International comes to Devonshire Park.

 

The LTA announced earlier this year that the women's tournament will be joined from 2009 by the men's championships previously held in Nottingham. The tournaments will both take place from 13-20 June 2009 at Eastbourne's Devonshire Park.

 

For more information on Eastbourne tennis visit www.visiteastbourne.com .

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