Basketball Dream Becomes Reality In Atlanta
Published on September 24, 2008 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) News Release
NEW YORK, September 24, 2008 - Following a nationwide competition, the WNBA and Discover® Card announced that the Atlanta Dream has won the 2008 "Discover® Card Home Court Challenge." As a result, a soon-to-be-named Atlanta youth group will be provided with a brand new Spalding basketball court.
Throughout August, hundreds of youth basketball players from six WNBA markets - Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Sacramento and Washington - represented their hometown teams by competing in the "Discover® Card Home Court Challenge." Participants were divided into two age groups - 9-to-11 and 12-to14 - and competed in a variety of timed basketball drills focusing on the game's fundamentals. The WNBA and Discover Card partnered to launch the program this year in an effort to bring children together in a positive setting to promote healthy competition, sportsmanship and team spirit.
"The WNBA is thrilled for the Atlanta Dream to be able to provide thousands of deserving children in their community the opportunity to play the game they love," said WNBA President Donna Orender. "We want to express our thanks to all of the children around the country who competed with passion, sportsmanship, and teamwork throughout the Discover® Card Home Court Challenge."
Youngsters from Atlanta who represented the Dream finished the competition with the best overall average time. The team won the grand prize of a new Spalding basketball court for a local youth group, which includes a pair of Spalding 72" arena-view backboards and 24 Spalding NEVER FLAT basketballs. Additionally, $20 individual Discover® Gift Cards were awarded to the best overall age group. Russell Athletic provided jerseys for the competitors and Ocean Spray provided samples of Craisins® Sweetened Dried Cranberries.
"We were proud to partner with the WNBA on this project that gave children the opportunity to meet WNBA players and enhance their basketball skills," said Julie Loeger, senior vice president of brand and product management for Discover Financial Services. "The Home Court Challenge was another way to bring WNBA fans closer to the game and we congratulate the children of Atlanta for their success in bringing a refurbished basketball court to their city."
"Our franchise is focused on building a championship mentality on and off the court, including being a champion member of our community," said Atlanta Dream President Bill Bolen. "We were excited to participate and even more excited to find out that our participants won the skills contest. We want to thank Discover® Card for helping make this event a special experience for the youth of our community."
Women's National Basketball Association Stories from September 24, 2008
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