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WNBA Gives Back to Community During WNBA Cares Week

May 28, 2009 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) News Release


NEW YORK, May 28, 2009 - In celebration of the WNBA's 13th season, the league and teams will give back to their communities with special events throughout the country. During the week of May 29 to

June 5, teams will engage with fans in their local markets, visiting schools, hosting WNBA Fit clinics and Read to Achieve reading rallies, and many more events.

Highlights of the week include the unveiling of a brand-new basketball court presented by Spalding, which Atlanta won last season in a nationwide competition. The special event will take place on Tuesday, June 2 at the Butler Street YMCA, where, following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Atlanta Dream players will conduct a basketball clinic for the kids to teach them strength, endurance, and flexibility techniques, along with tips for improving their body, mind, and athletic performance.

In addition, the Seattle Storm will host a special event where a revitalized Reading & Learning Center for the First A.M.E. Child and Family Center will be presented as a part of the WNBA Pitney Bowes Fast Break to Reading literacy program on Thursday, June 4. The Center will receive hundreds of new books, along with new computers and furniture.

"WNBA Cares Week demonstrates what we are all about and highlights all the causes that are important to the WNBA, our teams, and players," said WNBA President Donna Orender. "This league consists of the most talented female athletes who play at the highest level, but who are also just as committed to giving back to their fans and their communities. We are grateful to take this time and recognize the communities that support us all year long."

A schedule of select WNBA Cares Week activities is below. Additional information can be found on WNBA.com or on team Web sites.

Chicago: On May 30, Danielle Gant will appear at the Huntley Park District Basketball Clinic and will conduct a series of drills and exercises for the groups in attendance. In addition, the following day, Jia Perkins will visit the Winnetka-Northfield Library to discuss the importance of reading and the impact it has had on her life.

Connecticut: The Sun will host its second annual tip-off fundraiser for the Connecticut Sun Foundation at the Mohegan Sun Convention Center on June 4, which will be open to the general public, season- ticket holders, and corporate partners. Funds raised will be allocated to several projects during the season. In addition, throughout the week, players will visit various Dunkin' Donuts® locations to join fans and guests for coffee and donuts.

Detroit: The entire Shock team is hosting a special event at the Women's Resource Center in conjunction with Feed The Children on Friday, May 29, where 200 families are receiving boxes of food and personal care items via proceeds from the recent Pistons Care Telethon, which raised $450,000 towards basic needs for struggling Michigan families. Later in the Week, on Tuesday, June 2, Shock players will make various appearances at Meijer in four different locations, where they will meet and greet customers throughout the day. Customers will have the chance to enter a drawing for Shock season tickets.

Indiana: On Friday, May 29, the entire team will take part in the Fever Habitat for Humanity Event. Together with local volunteers, they will spend the afternoon building two new barns for families in need in the Indianapolis area. Later that week, the Fever will take part in a Read to Achieve and WNBA Fit event. Participants will have a chance to interact with Fever stars and learn about the importance of a healthy mind and body.

Los Angeles: On Thursday May 28, the Sparks and Right to Play will host an event at Lisa Leslie and Tina Thompson's alma mater Morningside High School. At the event, the kids will learn the various games from Right to Play and will learn basketball drills first-hand from team members including Lisa Leslie. Every child in attendance will receive a ticket from Lisa to attend the team's opening night on Saturday, June 6.

Minnesota: The Minnesota Lynx will be out in their community throughout WNBA Cares week, making various appearances at the Midtown Global Market, the Mall of America, Midway Stadium and other locations. In addition, the team will take part in the Spring Lake Park Towers Day Parade.

New York: The Liberty will host a reading rally for local children at the NBA Store in New York City on Friday, June 5 and will spend time reading with the young students and teaching them the importance of education. Also, prior to this event, players will make a special visit to the NYU Medical Center - Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine on Wednesday,

June 3.

Phoenix: The Mercury will help Maricopa County Libraries kick off their summer reading program with the help of Scorch and a performance by the Hip Hop Squad on Friday May, 29. Additionally, assistant coach Julie Hairgrove and guard Allie Quigley will host a clinic at US Airways Center for the Jr. Mercury on Sunday, May 31.

Sacramento: The Monarchs will make a visit to Franklin Library on Tuesday, June 2 and help tip off the Sacramento Public Library Summer Reading Program. At this event, players will host a reading timeout, have a q&a session, and distribute books and other giveaways for the kids. Monty will make a visit to the kids as well. Participants who complete the Sacramento Public Library's Summer Reading Program will enjoy a night out with the Monarchs and receive a complimentary ticket to the Monarchs vs. Sparks game on August 1.

San Antonio: The Silver Stars team will host Tacos 'N Tennies at La Hacienda on June 4th. Fans will enjoy a Mexican buffet and can make donations to play Texas Hold'em or Wii games with Silver Stars players! All funds raised will be donated to Animal Care Services, a selected cause of Silver Star Fans, for needed items of San Antonio's furry four-legged friends.

Washington: The team is partnering with DC Parks and Recreation and the Greater Washington Sports Alliance to tip off its second annual Mystics Youth Summer League. The special event will take place at the Turkey Thicket Recreation Center on Saturday, May 30, where young fans will be treated to a day filled with interactive basketball games and activities with the entire Mystics team. Later that week, the team's coaching staff will revisit the center to host a basketball clinic with all the participating coaches in the Summer League.

Through WNBA Cares, the WNBA is committed to creating programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with a special emphasis on promoting a healthy lifestyle for young girls and women, raising awareness and funds for programs that support women's health issues and providing critical resources for education and literacy programs.

The WNBA is a unique global sports property combining competition, sportsmanship and entertainment value with its status as an icon for social change, achievement and diversity. Comprised of 13 teams, the WNBA is the most successful women's professional team sports league in the world. The league concluded its historic 12th regular season with increases in attendance, ratings, Web traffic and merchandise sales. The 2009 WNBA season will tip off June 6 on ABC. For more information on the WNBA, log on to www.wnba.com.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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