Vermont and Colorado Tennis Players Receive 2006 Novo Nordisk Donnelly Awards

NEW YORK, NY (July 24, 2006) --- Rose Cantlin, of Woodstock, Vt., and Matthew Kranich, of Englewood, Colo., have been named winners of the 2006 Novo Nordisk Donnelly Awards and will be recognized during ceremonies at the World TeamTennis Finals on July 29 in Newport Beach, Calif.

Cantlin and Kranich will each receive a $5,000 scholarship to be used for educational expenses, tennis training or medical expenses.  Sponsored by Novo Nordisk, the leading pharmaceutical company in diabetes care, the Donnelly Awards recognize the outstanding efforts of two athletes, ages 14-21, who have diabetes and play tennis competitively in tournaments or on their school team.  In addition, the recipients will receive an expense-paid trip to the World TeamTennis Finals to receive their awards from WTT co-founder Billie Jean King.

Cantlin, 18, was co-captain of the Woodstock Union High School women’s tennis team and helped the team to an undefeated season in 2006.  She went 14-1 playing at No. 3 singles.  Cantlin, who was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at age 7, plans to attend Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Mass., this fal l.

Kranich, 18, was the Colorado State 5A champion at No. 3 singles in both 2004 and 2005.   As captain of the Cherry Creek High School men’s team this year, he went 22-0 and led the Bruins to the Colorado State 5A title.  Kranich was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at age 15 and plans to study business and play tennis at the University of Denver this fall.

Established by Billie Jean King, through WTT Charities, Inc., in 1998 to encourage diabetic children to lead an active life and compete in tennis, the Novo Nordisk Donnelly Awards provide scholarships to young tennis players suffering from diabetes.  The awards are named after two long- time World TeamTennis executives and tennis champions, Diane Donnelly Stone and Tracey.