As a committed and dynamic sponsor of tennis, BNP Paribas reaffirms its commitment as a Principal Associated Sponsor of the Grand Prix de Tennis de Lyon, whose 22nd Championship was held from 20 to 26 October 2008 in the Palais de Sports in Gerland.

Since its inauguration in 1987, the best tennis players in the world have regularly competed in the Grand Prix de Tennis de Lyon (GPTL). Over the same period, the Grand Prix has given continuous support to the “Association Communauté Esprit Sport”. The organisers of the GPTL are sensitive to the social agenda that drives the Association’s endeavours: to promote the idea of sport as a vehicle for social cohesion and responsibility. This social agenda is based on 3 key aspects that typify sporting activity: health, social relationships, and encouraging people to take up responsibilities.

BNP Paribas has developed and pursued its charitable initiatives linked to tennis, called “Tennis at Heart”, by sponsoring “Tribune Esprit Sport”. This platform invites various charities to take part in meetings and conferences linked to the 22nd GPTL Championship. The aim of the platform is to make sporting events more widely accessible. This year, for example, BNP Paribas has hosted the Laurette Fugain Association, Action Against Hunger, and “Restos de Coeur”, an organisation which provides food for the needy.

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