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WNBA New York Liberty

Tina Charles, Hopey's Heart Foundation and Safe Kids NYC Team up to Promote Sports Safety

May 5, 2016 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
New York Liberty News Release


NEW YORK, NY - WNBA All-Star and center for the New York Liberty, Tina Charles, visited New York City schools on Friday, April 22 for interactive sports safety clinics hosted by Safe Kids New York City and Hopey's Heart Foundation. As part of the Third Annual Hopey's Day, students at the Aerospace Science Magnet School (PS 127) in Queens and the Benjamin Franklin School (PS 55) in the Bronx had the opportunity to interact with Charles while they learned about concussions, proper hydration and how to avoid preventable sports injuries. They also learned the importance of being prepared with CPR and AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) alongside partners HeartSmart.com and EMS Safety.

While Hopey's Heart Foundation has been focused on preventing sudden cardiac arrest deaths across the nation and the globe, Tina Charles, the founder was born and raised in East Elmhurst, Queens just blocks from PS 127. The events at PS 127 and PS 55 mark the beginning of the Hopey's Heart Foundation Build Up NYC program, which will focus on reaching more parents, coaches and young athletes throughout New York City. The program will aim to place AEDs and CPR certify the five boroughs of New York City with a priority on low and moderate income communities that demonstrate high need such as: schools, community based organizations, parks & recreation programs and emergency response units through partners HeartSmart.com and EMS Safety.

"It was very exciting to host our Third Annual Hopey's Day in New York City with sports safety clinics at PS 127 and PS 55, and I have to thank my partners in Safe Kids Worldwide, HeartSmart.com, and EMS Safety," said Tina Charles. "I specifically chose those locations because PS 127 is located in East Elmhurst, just blocks from where I grew up and learned to play the game of basketball, and PS 55 in the Bronx is in one of the greatest areas of need in New York City, where I knew we could make a significant impact in their community. I am extremely grateful and honored that Mayor Bill de Blasio declared April 22 to be Hopey's Day in New York, and also want to thank State Assemblyman Michael Blake for all of the amazing work he is doing for his community, along with Assistant Commissioner for School Safety Ramon Garcia for attending our clinic at PS 55. What made Hopey's Day even more special was the Phillips Heartstart Onsite AED donation from partner Heartsmart.com to PS 55 to keep there student body heart safe in the gymnasium."

New York State Assemblyman Michael A. Blake, District 79, presented Ms. Charles with an official citation announcing April 22 as Hopey's Day. Given the importance of the work Hopey's Heart is doing in New York City with their Build Up NYC initiative, the Mayor of New York City Bill de Blasio issued a proclamation declaring April 22nd, 2016 as Hopey's Day in New York City. In addition, U.S. Congressman Joseph Crowley (District 14) presented Charles with an official Congressional Record entry marking April 22nd as Hopey's Day.

"As someone who was born with a heart murmur, heart health and wellness is important to me, which is why I was honored to partner with WNBA & New York Liberty All Star Tina Charles, her Hopey's Heart Foundation and Safe Kids Worldwide to bring the 3rd Annual Hopey's Day Celebration to Community School 55 in The Bronx," said Assemblyman Blake. "Supporting Hopey's Day demonstrates our steadfast commitment to achieving the three E's of Education, Economic Development and Equality for All by providing health, wellness and nutrition to communities that otherwise may not receive it. By emphasizing the need for providing our children healthier ways of playing and learning, we are working towards guaranteeing every child in the Bronx a better life and continuing Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr's commitment

to #not62 of The Bronx no longer being the most unhealthy county in New York. This is the first step to ensuring a healthier future for all of our children and continuing in #BuildingABetterBronx."

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