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Actress and Unicef Ambassador Téa Leoni Receives 2013 WNBA Inspiration Award

September 4, 2013 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) News Release


NEW YORK, September 4, 2013 - Actress, UNICEF Ambassador, and U.S. Fund for UNICEF National Board Member Téa Leoni will receive the 2013 WNBA Inspiration Award for her significant contributions to women and children worldwide, WNBA President Laurel J. Richie announced today.

"Téa Leoni's dedicated service on behalf of the world's most vulnerable children is an inspiration," said Richie. "Her extraordinary leadership and humanitarian efforts have made a real difference in the lives of children struggling to survive all around the world, and we are thrilled to honor her with the 2013 WNBA Inspiration Award."

The WNBA Inspiring Women luncheon celebrates individuals who have blazed new paths on the court, in the boardroom and in the community will be held on Monday, Sept. 9 in New York City. More than 300 people from the worlds of entertainment, sports, business, and politics are expected to attend. "I am honored to receive this recognition from the WNBA," said Leoni. "All the women in this league are a true inspiration. I appreciate the true example they set each and every day for us all."

In addition to the WNBA Inspiration Award, two special presentations will take place during the luncheon. Violet Palmer, the first female to officiate in a major U.S. professional sport, will receive the Boost Mobile Pioneer Award, which recognizes a female in the sports world who embodies the spirit of both the WNBA and Boost Mobile, a leader in the no annual contract wireless industry. Palmer has been an NBA Official since 1997-98 and is entering her 17th season. The recipient of the Boost Mobile Pioneer Award is seen as a pioneer in the community and is passionate about her professional and personal endeavors through which she blazes trails for the next generation.

The P&G My Black is Beautiful Imagine a Future Award celebrates everything that makes women and girls beautiful inside and out. Imagine a Future aims to help develop strong and confident young girls recognize their potential. My Black is Beautiful is proud to honor Li'Esha Garcia, who has served selflessly to help her community and peers achieve their potential. Her efforts include coaching basketball for middle school girls as well as serving on the board for the Sports Challenge Leadership Academy, a non-profit summer sports and leadership program. The award is designed to inspire and support youth to become leaders and champions in both school and life.

Gold Partners for the luncheon include American Express, BBVA, Boost Mobile, Coca-Cola, espnW, Jamba Juice, Morgan Stanley, P&G, PwC, SAP and USA Today Sports.

At the league's inaugural luncheon in 2006, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright addressed a group of the WNBA's own inspiring women as the league honored and recognized the WNBA All-Decade Team. Other past honorees include former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Good Morning America's Robin Roberts, political commentator Cokie Roberts, United States National Security Advisor and former U.S. Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice, award-winning journalist Katie Couric and the 2012 female Olympic medalists of Team USA.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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