Boxing champion Laila Ali headlines a host of sporting superstars set to grace this year's glittering Celebrity Tennis Classic at Elbow Beach.

Daughter of the legendary Muhammad Ali, Laila will be joined by former NFL wide receiver Curtis Conway, ex-tennis star Katrina Adams, as well as former Mayor of New York City David Dinkins at the three-day tennis spectacular from September 26 to 29.

Ali has been the major draw in women's boxing for years and made her professional fighting debut in 1999, knocking out April Fowler in the first round.

She is the current undefeated Super Middleweight Champion of the world with a 24-0 record and is married to former Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers football player Conway.

Conway, whose 4,498 receiving yards rank him 5th on the Bears all-time yardage list, is now a sports broadcaster on ESPN's popular television show "Jim Rome is Burning".

Adams competed on the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour for 12 years and is currently serving a two-year term as Director at Large on the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

A professor in the practice of public affairs, David Dinkins was the 106th Mayor of New York City from 1989-1993.

Organised by Bermuda Tennis Development Foundation (BTDF), the Celebrity Classic raises funds to send tennis starlets abroad to compete in world-ranking tournaments and consists of workshops, exhibition games, culminating in a gala dinner.

The extravaganza begins with a cocktail reception on the Ocean Terrace at Elbow Beach; where sponsors and participants can mingle with the stars, and continues with a coaching clinic with Katrina Adams.

Salsa dancing and a tennis exhibition featuring celebrities and local dignitaries takes place the following day at the WER Joell Tennis Stadium, and concludes with a black tie gala dinner and silent auction at the Lido Complex at Elbow Beach the final evening.

David Lambert, BTDF chairman and director of tennis at Elbow Beach Tennis Facility, said the fundraiser offered tremendous assistance in the growth and exposure with overseas participation in the ITF World Rankings.

"One of the main goals of this event is to assist our young players in acquiring points which can help them securing tennis college scholarships," said Lambert who represented Bermuda as a player and is president of the Bermuda Lawn and Tennis Association.

In May junior tennis was given a major financial boost when $15,000, raised from last year's event, was given to the BLTA Junior Development Committee to help Bermuda's young stars compete in ITF events in the Caribbean this summer.

Corporate sponsorship packages are available for the entire three-day event. More information can be found at www.btdf.bm - the foundation's website.

Tickets to the exhibition matches and black tie gala event are available at the Elbow Beach Tennis Shop.