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DeMya Walker receives Offseason Community Assist Award

May 25, 2004 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Sacramento Monarchs News Release


SACRAMENTO, CALIF., MAY 25, 2004 - The Sacramento Monarchs today announce that forward DeMya Walker is the recipient of the WNBA Offseason Community Assist Award for the 2003 WNBA Offseason.

Walker is being honored for among many things her efforts to encourage young children in the Sacramento area to read and stay drug free. In the autumn of 2003, Walker visited more than 20 elementary schools in the Sacramento region. While playing in Russia in the latter part of the offseason, Walker corresponded with students from these schools reminding them of the promises they made to her: to study hard, obey their teachers and read every day.

"Kids today need a helping hand and I am glad to be in a position to help them," said Walker. "As a child growing up, I had my family, my teachers, my whole neighborhood cheering me on, supporting me on and off the court. Not everyone has the support systems I had growing up. If I can help out one kid and encourage her to study hard, and let her know that she can be whatever she wants to be, then I have done my part."

Walker joins Andrea Stinson, Charlotte Sting; Nykesha Sales, Connecticut Sun; Barb Farris, Detroit Shock; Cynthia Cooper; Houston Comets; Niele Ivey, Indiana Fever; Nikki Teasley, Los Angeles Sparks; Tamika Williams, Minnesota Lynx; Becky Hammon, New York Liberty; Kayte Christensen, Phoenix Mercury; Adrienne Goodson, San Antonio Silver Stars; Adia Barnes, Seattle Storm, and Chamique Holdsclaw, Washington Mystics as players recognized by the WNBA for their offseason community outreach. As a result of their efforts, $500 will be donated, by the WNBA, to the charity of choice of each offseason award winner.

During the regular season, the WNBA Community Assist Award is given out monthly by the league to recognize players for their charitable efforts. Each month all 13 WNBA teams are able to nominate a player for the award, which honors the player who best reflects the league's passion for making a difference in their communities.

Through programs such as WNBA Breast Health Awareness, WNBA Mind. Body. Spirit, and WNBA Read to Achieve, the WNBA has helped to create a more comprehensive awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer, good nutrition, regular exercise, and a positive self-image, and has worked to bring the joy of reading to millions of children across the country. On a local level, the Sacramento Monarchs work hard to deliver the best quality of entertainment to fans. On and off the court, the Monarchs are committed to interacting with fans and take great pride in being a part of the Sacramento community and its surrounding areas. This continues Maloof Sports & Entertainment's ongoing commitment to make a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of people in the Sacramento region.

Fans will get a rematch of the 2004 WNBA Western Conference Finals on Thursday, June 3, when the Monarchs take on the Los Angeles Sparks at 7 p.m. at ARCO Arena. Fans are asked to call (916) 419-WNBA for season ticket plans and group ticket information. For more information, please visit the Monarchs website at www.SacramentoMonarchs.com.

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