Sparks Announce Plans For Lisa Leslie's Farewell Game
September 8, 2009 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Los Angeles Sparks News Release
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Sparks have announced plans for Lisa Leslie's Farewell Game presented by Nike to be held on September 11th at 7:30 pm as the Sparks take on the Minnesota Lynx in Leslie's final regular season game at STAPLES Center. The game, which will also be broadcast in its entirety on PRIME TICKET, will celebrate Leslie's contributions to women's basketball throughout the night.
During her farewell game, the Sparks, in partnership with Nike, will honor and pay tribute to Lisa who is widely regarded as the face of the WNBA and most dominant player in women's basketball history. The game presentation will showcase Lisa's individual accomplishments and will also celebrate what she has meant to both the WNBA and women's basketball as a whole.
As the most decorated player in WNBA history, Leslie has earned three WNBA MVP awards, two WNBA Finals MVP awards, two Defensive Player of the Year awards, eight 1st Team All-WNBA selections, three WNBA All-Star MVP awards, was named to the WNBA All-Decade Team and has been selected Player of the Week a league best 15 times. She became the first player in WNBA history to record 6,000 points earlier this year and the Sparks home court was renamed "Lisa Leslie Court" in her honor. In Olympic play, Leslie is second to none. As the floor leader and mentor to Team USA, Leslie finished with a 32-0 record in Olympic competition and is the first female basketball player to win four consecutive gold medals, (1996, 2000, 2004 & 2008).
"We were so privileged to have Lisa on our team," said Sparks co-owner, Carla Christofferson. "Lisa is the embodiment of the values we admire in the WNBA, which is women achieving at the highest level, while also taking the time to give back to the community. It was always such a pleasure to watch Lisa speak and interact with young girls and boys -- through her example, she transformed their lives."
On Friday evening, as fans enter STAPLES Center, they will receive a special t-shirt courtesy of Nike and Farmers Insurance in honor of Lisa. The shirt will have Lisa's number, "9", along with the words "Pass the Ball to the Girl" printed on the front, a phrase that comes from a popular story from early in Lisa's career that both celebrates her legacy and inspires young female athletes to pursue their basketball dreams. "Pass the Ball to the Girl" signifies that although Leslie will hang up her shoes at the end of the 2009 season, the impact that she has had on women's basketball will inspire generations of young girls and women to come to continue to strive to achieve their goals.
Nike will also distribute Lisa Leslie cheer cards and ballerbands to fans during the game in addition to producing a special video tribute to Lisa that will play pre-game featuring friends, teammates and coaches from around the league, family and past and present WNBA personnel.
"Throughout her career, Lisa has not only served as a great ambassador for the game of basketball, but she has served as a great ambassador for sport and life," said Ilene Hauser, Manager, Nike Women's Pro Basketball. "Her impact on the game will last forever and will undoubtedly serve as inspiration for generations. We are proud to have her as a member of the Nike family."
The celebration will begin promptly at 7:30pm with a presentation at center court that will include Morningside High School, USC, USA Basketball, Nike, the WNBA and the Sparks. There will be a special guest emcee to lead all in attendance through special acknowledgements from WNBA President Donna Orender and Sparks Head Coach Michael Cooper.
In-game elements for Lisa Leslie's Farewell Game will include a run-down of Lisa's Top 10 greatest moments of her career as voted on by the fans, tribute messages on the video board from friends, coaches and former teammates and a special half-time performance by USC's Marching Band.
Prior to Lisa's Farewell Game, Niketown LA will host an event to honor Leslie's career on Wednesday, September 9th at their Los Angeles Store located at 9560 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, 90212. Lisa will be on hand to discuss highlights of her career and meet & greet her fans. Attendees will have the opportunity to enter to win great prizes, enjoy a live DJ and be there as Niketown commemorates the retirement of one of the greatest players to ever play the game. Everyone interested in celebrating Lisa's extraordinary career are encouraged to attend.
Tickets to see the legendary Lisa Leslie play in her final regular season game on "Lisa Leslie Court" at STAPLES Center are still available. For more information on how you can be there as history is made visit www.lasparks.com or call 1-877-44-SPARKS.
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Women's National Basketball Association Stories from September 8, 2009
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