Ezecom CEO Paul Blanche-Horgan says his company ‘feels good to be part of tennis' here. Photo Supplied

A national tennis coach wearing an Ezecom T-shirt (left) watches as local youngsters play mini tennis games during the opening ceremony of the National Training Centre in Phnom Penh. Photo Supplied by TFC

Local internet service provider Ezecom prefers a steady rather than spectacular ride as main sponsors of the Tennis Federation of Cambodia (TFC), according to company CEO Paul Blanche-Horgan.

At the halfway point in their one-year deal with the federation, the Ezecom chief declared he was “more than happy with the results and the progress made so far”.

“We at Ezecom feel good to be part of [Cambodian] tennis. Our business module aims at empowering the youth through latest technology, and it goes well with the TFC’s initiative of grassroots development. Both of us strike the same wavelength; the younger you get them the better.”

Blanche-Horgan revealed that a passion for go-karting had brought him into contact with TFC General Secretary Tep Rithivit nearly 12 years ago, and their continued friendship had spawned a sponsorship proposal last year.

“I personally never had a chance to grow up with tennis,” he said.

“But I want kids of this generation to [have that chance] and the TFC, as you can see, is doing the right thing in promoting junior programmes. Today, I can assure the tennis community that Ezecom will do whatever its budget allows it to for the sake of tennis.”

Whilst declining to quote a specific figure or time frame, Blanche-Horgan promised his company’s future involvement as TFC main sponsors would be “bigger and better.”

“We will definitely look at requests for additional support favourably. I am sure tennis in Cambodia will transcend international boundaries soon, and Ezecom would be more than happy to grow with it,” he said, adding that the company have offered to pay for flights for two youngsters to attend a regional tennis event this year. “Sports brings communities together, just as we hope our products do,” said Blanche-Horgan.

The internet company also sponsors mini soccer at Kidzcool Children & Family Fun Village and local youth rugby programmes.