WNBA Dreams Come True for Zillifro
Published on July 8, 2005 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) News Release
NEW YORK, JULY 06, 2005 -On Friday July 8, 17-year-old Courtney Zillifro will receive a hero's welcome to WNBA All-Star weekend at the Mohegan Sun Arena. The WNBA and Southwest Airlines will honor Courtney's strength and courage with an all-expense paid trip for her and her family to attend the 2005 WNBA All-Star Game as part of the WNBA?s first Shoot for Hope event. Shoot for Hope recognizes young fans of the WNBA and NBA who are working to overcome physical ailments and disabilities.
The Zillifro family will travel to Connecticut to watch the world's best women's basketball players during WNBA All-Star weekend. Their visit will culminate in a one-of-a-kind experience at the 2005 WNBA All-Star Game hosted by the Connecticut Sun, Saturday, July 9. The game will be televised nationally on ABC at 4:00 p.m. EDT.
Courtney, who was born with Hypochondroplasia, a genetic disorder characterized by small stature and disproportionately short arms, legs, hands, and feet (short-limbed dwarfism), and her family have been staying at the Ronald McDonald House while she undergoes a series of limb lengthening procedures. After the procedure Courtney will gain between six and eight inches in height, making her approximately five feet tall.
According to Courtney, "With a positive attitude, the situation is made a little better. You will get through anything with a lot of friends and a good support system."
Despite her many challenges, Courtney's goal is to walk across the stage at her high school graduation in 2006. In addition, Courtney leads a very active life. She?s involved in a number of scholastic programs including Key Club, National Honor Society and band where she plays the clarinet. After high school, Courtney plans to attend college to pursue a degree in teaching.
"Courtney is my hero," said her mother Karen. "She never let's anything get her down. She's one tough cookie and smiles through everything. I wish I had half the courage she has."
The Zillifro family's WNBA and Southwest Airlines Shoot for Hope experience will include attending WNBA All-Star practice and WNBA Summer Jam, a series of family-friendly interactive events for fans. The highlight of their visit will be the 2005 WNBA All-Star Game.
The NBA and Southwest Airlines began the Shoot for Hope program in October 2004 to give families a unique basketball experience. Through Shoot for Hope, the NBA, WNBA and Southwest Airlines recognize some of the leagues' most inspirational fans and their families.
"Southwest Airlines and the WNBA share a commitment of giving back to our fans and the Zillifro's are a courageous family who exemplify teamwork and courage," said Mary Reiling Spencer, Vice President, WNBA Marketing Partnerships. "This program is our way of helping to enrich the lives of families who are working to overcome challenging obstacles."
For 22 years, Southwest Airlines employees have witnessed miracles at Ronald McDonald Houses throughout the nation," said Tena Griffith, Manager Sports Marketing for Southwest Airlines. "We are delighted to partner with the WNBA to treat this deserving family to a celebratory weekend during the 2005 WNBA All Star Game festivities."
The Ronald McDonald House® program, the cornerstone of Ronald McDonald House Charities, is the primary corporate charity of Southwest Airlines. The airline annually sponsors the Southwest Airlines LUV Classic golf tournaments in Dallas and Phoenix with proceeds that have totaled more than $6.5 million over the past 19 years to benefit various Ronald McDonald Houses.
The WNBA is in its ninth season and under the new leadership of President Donna Orender. In 2004, for the sixth consecutive season, more than two million fans attended WNBA games. Also in 2004, three consecutive WNBA Finals sellout crowds witnessed the Seattle Storm defeat the Connecticut Sun to capture its first WNBA Championship. WNBA programming is broadcast on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and NBA-TV. For more information, visit WNBA.com.
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