Sparks Partner With 'I Have a Dream Foundation'
Published on July 9, 2009 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Los Angeles Sparks News Release
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Sparks and the "I Have a Dream" Foundation - Los Angeles today announced a partnership to improve and inspire the success of students across Los Angeles.
To tip-off the partnership, Sparks Head Coach Michael Cooper and 1994 USC graduate and Inglewood native, Lisa Leslie will tour the University of Southern California campus along with 50 children from the foundation (Dreamers) on Friday, July 17th.
The purpose of the tour is to help Dreamers picture themselves on a college campus with both Leslie and Cooper serving as inspiration. "I Have a Dream" begins to create a college going culture when the Dreamers are in first grade and this tour will reinforce the importance of education for all of the students.
"This partnership is a great way for our players and staff to be involved as role models," said Kristin Bernert, Sparks President. "We believe that being positive examples to our youth will help build a stronger Los Angeles community in the future."
The partnership consists of several elements including the tour of USC's campus on Friday, July 17th and an "I Have a Dream Night" on Sept. 8 as the Sparks take on the San Antonio Silver Stars. On the Sparks "I Have a Dream Night," all of the Dreamers, their mentors and volunteers participating in the program will be invited and the Foundation will have the opportunity to honor their top volunteers on court.
The "I Have a Dream" Foundation begins to transform the lives of Dreamers early, and is extremely comprehensive and virtually continuous from the day they adopt the student in first grade until they graduate from high school and beyond.
"Lisa and Michael and the entire team are terrific role models for our Dreamers," said Wendy Free, Executive Director of "I Have a Dream" Foundation - Los Angeles. "Their belief in the importance of education and their commitment to the sport are great examples for our students. We look forward to a long and successful partnership."
For more information on the Sparks partnership with the I Have a Dream Foundation, Sparks community initiatives or how you can be involved, please visit www.lasparks.com or www.ihadla.org.
Women's National Basketball Association Stories from July 9, 2009
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- Sparks Partner With 'I Have a Dream Foundation' - Los Angeles Sparks
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