
Monarchs' Center Courtney Paris Receives WNBA Cares Community Assist Award for August
September 10, 2009 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Sacramento Monarchs News Release
NEW YORK, Sept. 10, 2009 - The WNBA today honored Sacramento Monarchs center Courtney Paris for her commitment to the community with its Community Assist Award for August. In addition to giving back through her charitable foundation, the Courtney Paris Pay It Forward Foundation Fund, Courtney plays a lead role in the team's outreach initiatives and is a strong supporter of youth development programs throughout Sacramento.
August was a busy month for Courtney both on the court and off. She tipped off the month with a special visit to youngsters at the Boy & Girls Club in Sacramento and spoke to them about the importance of helping others. Before leaving, she illustrated her commitment to giving back by providing its members with tickets to watch the Monarchs take on the Los Angeles Sparks on Aug. 15, followed by a postgame, oncourt meet-and-greet. Later that month, Courtney hosted youngsters from two other area youth programs at Monarchs games and joined them on the court for autographs and photos afterwards.
"I feel that it is vital to support youth programs," said Courtney. "As a child, I was a member of the Boys & Girls Club, and that experience, along with other similar community experiences, really helped me to become the woman I am today. One of my favorite things to do outside of playing basketball is getting out and interacting with the community."
Courtney also participated in three team outreach initiatives during the month. She was on hand to help dedicate a new Reading & Learning Center at the St. John's Shelter for Women and Children; shot hoops with youngsters during the opening of the new Monarchs Teen Center at the River Oak Center for Children; and, in an effort to show students how they can have fun while being active, hosted a Monarchs FIT Clinic at Bannon Creek Elementary School.
As part of her continued commitment to assisting those in need, Courtney recently established the Courtney Paris Pay It Forward Foundation Fund in order to give back to the communities in which she has lived, including the San Francisco Bay Area; Norman, Okla.; and Sacramento, Calif. Her foundation advocates volunteerism and activism and supports organizations that provide opportunity and empowerment to underserved individuals and families.
The WNBA Community Assist Award is presented monthly to the player who best reflects the league's passion for making a difference in the community. In recognition of Courtney's' charitable efforts, the WNBA will donate $5,000 to the Courtney Paris Pay It Forward Foundation Fund.
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Women's National Basketball Association Stories from September 10, 2009
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