The second annual Lori McNeil/Elbow Beach Celebrity Tennis Classic serves off next week.

Chairman of the Bermuda Tennis Development Foundation (BTDF) David Lambert says the myriad sports and entertainment celebrities participating in the charity event start arriving tomorrow. Among the first to fly in will be recently-crowned International Boxing Association (IBA) Super Middleweight women's champion Laila Ali, actress Robin Givens and former pro tennis player, Zina Garrison. Patron of the event, McNeil, arrives on Monday.

"All the stars are confirmed and things will get rolling on Wednesday afternoon," said Lambert of the four-day programme to raise funds for the development of junior tennis in Bermuda.

The Classic's opening segment will be an intensive coaching clinic - led by Garrison and featuring McNeil and current Women's Tennis Association (WTA) players Chanda Rubin, Amanda Coetzer and Barbara Schett - for top Bermudian junior players. This takes place at Elbow Beach at 4 p.m. and Kris Frick, David Thomas, Rachel Sawden, Jasmine Quinn, Jacqueline Lambert and Morgan Lightbourne are among those chosen to participate.

"This is the first time we're having this group of top-quality players working with our juniors," said Lambert. "Only the top juniors will be on court because the drills are going to be quite advanced. All of these juniors have proven themselves over the last year or so - winning tournaments and representing Bermuda overseas. They will benefit from this on-court exposure."

The remaining three days of the Classic include a tennis clinic where sponsors play with the celebrities, cocktail parties, golf and a black-tie dinner. Corporate packages were sold for these but two other events - an exhibition at Tennis Stadium and a beach party at Elbow Beach (both next Friday) - are open to the public.

"We've had a good response from the corporate sector and we are pleased to open the additional events (the exhibition and the beach party) to everyone and we hope the public attends them. These should help us to reach our (financial) goal," noted Lambert, urging his compatriots to support the Classic.

The BTDF's aim is to raise $30,000 to $35,000 to fund the participation of junior players in overseas tournaments and other developmental programmes. Lambert noted the "generous sponsorship" of Elbow Beach and other sponsors plus Government's support have been integral in bringing this second annual Classic to fruition.

"It costs to bring these stars in but, with everyone's assistance, it will be successful. Now, all we need is for every Bermudian to buy a ticket and give their personal support. Also, we have to keep our fingers crossed that the weather will be good so all the events can take place."