Questions & answers: B.E./Pepsi Challenge '96

Black Enterprise, Sept, 1996 by Bobby Clay

The Third Annual Black Enterprise/Pepsi Gold & Tennis Challenge is set to kick off from August 29 through September 2, 1996 at The Doral Golf Resort and Spa in Miami, Fla.

In less than three years, this tournament has become the premier business-and-leisure networking opportunity for African American professionals, executives and entrepreneurs, as well as leaders in the worlds of sports, entertainment and politics. Johnnie Cochran, Vanessa Williams, Walter Payton and Reggie Theus are among the confirmed attendees of this year's B.E./Pepsi Challenge.

You've got questions? We've got answers. We know you'd expect nothing less from BLACK ENTERPRISE.

I thought this year's tournament was to be played in California? What happened?

That's two questions, but we'll let you slide--this time. It's true that this time last year, the third annual B.E./Pepsi Challenge was to be held at the LaQuinta Resort and Spa in LaQuinta, Calif. However, in response to California Governor Pete Wilson's politically motivated assault on race-based affirmative action, the organizers of the Challenge decided to move the tournament--and the more than $2 million it contributes to the local economy--to Florida, specifically to the Doral Golf Resort and Spa in Miami.

While we may not all live in California, where residents will vote on the so-called California Civil Rights Initiative designed to eliminate affirmative action, we don't have to meet a residency requirement to vote with our dollars.

What do I have to do to get one of those great purple blazers?

Just win, baby. The blazers, complete with the B.E./Pepsi Challenge crest on the breast pocket, are awarded to the male and female overall winners in both the golf and tennis competitions. The winners as well as the runners-up are awarded trophies designed by Tiffany & Co., a tournament sponsor.

This year's tennis tournament will host 150 competitors, with a new rating system that will allow for three days of intensive play. For less experienced--though no less enthusiastic--players, the tennis package will also feature noncompetitive round-robin play. Meanwhile, more than 400 golfers will test their skills on the Doral's four championship golf courses, home to the Doral-Ryder Open, one of the most prestigious stops on the PGA tour.

Our champions blazers have become as coveted as the ones awarded to the winners of the U.S. Open Golf Tournament. Well, maybe not, but purple sure looks better than kelly green at the Final Awards Dinner after-party.

As an ultra-competitive businessperson, I wouldn't miss the B.E./Pepsi Challenge for the world. However, I've never tried golf and haven't played tennis since junior high school. What's there for me to do when I'm not doing deals?

We've got three words for you: spa, spa and spa. Our spa package is just what the doctor ordered for people like you--business people in overdrive. It offers two complimentary massage or salon treatments. And the spa at the Doral has its own allocation of suites, pools and exclusive restaurants that serve healthy cuisine of the highest quality.

But that's not all. There's the daily B.E. a.m. aerobics walk, a variety of water sports, private beaches and a state-of-the-art fitness center. And each evening there'll be fun and exciting activities, from the Caribbean Carnival, to the Jazz Cabaret and Final Awards Dinner.

Besides, even if you can't compete this year, this is a perfect opportunity to get ready for next year. You can develop a golf game at the Doral's renowned Jim McClean Golf Learning Center, where even pro golfers polish their skills. There will also be tennis clinics offering personalized instruction.

And don't worry--we'll keep the kids busy with Junior Golf and Tennis Clinics (the latter featured rising pro tennis star Venus Williams last year) and our Children's Program, geared for youngsters ages 3 through 17 and divided by age group.

I tried to register for the B.E./Pepsi Challenge and it was already sold out. What's up with that?

You've got to move faster for Challenge '97.

More than 1,200 people will be at the Doral this Labor Day Weekend. It's an audience not taken lightly by the sponsors of the tournament, including Pepsi-Cola (the title sponsor), Chrysler Corp., American Airlines, Xerox, American Express, Federal Express, Reebok International, Wilson Sporting Goods, AT&T, IBM, Ben & Jerry's, Kodak, Anheuser-Busch, BellSouth and Lucent Technologies.

That's because the challenge is about more than pleasure--it's about business. By getting on our mailing list, you'll be kept up-to-date about next year's Challenge--and if you're aggressive, we'll see you there!