Gotnext Women's Basketball Boards

gia · Guest

KAYTE CHRISTENSEN RECEIVES OFF-SEASON COMMUNITY ASSIST AWARD
Mercury Forward Honored for her Community Outreach during the WNBA Off-season

New York, May 29, 2003 - Phoenix Mercury forward Kayte Christensen is the recipient of the 2003 WNBA Off-season Community Assist Award. The second-year WNBA veteran has made a difference in the Phoenix community since joining the Mercury last season.

Among the highlights for Christensen in the off-season included bi-monthly Read to Achieve events, Phoenix's own Walk Against Domestic Violence as well as participating in Water Safety Day. Christensen committed more than 20 hours a month to giving back to the Phoenix community.

"Having spent so much time in the community this year, I have come to realize just how fortunate the Mercury is to have such a loyal fan base," said Christensen. "I don't think that I deserve this recognition alone as all of my teammates have made a commitment to serving our community....it's really a total team effort."

Christensen joins Andrea Stinson, Charlotte Sting; Helen Darling, Cleveland Rockers; Nykesha Sales, Connecticut Sun; Elaine Powell, Detroit Shock; Kelley Gibson, Houston Comets; Kelly Schumacher, Indiana Fever; Nikki Teasley, Los Angeles Sparks; Tamika Williams, Minnesota Lynx; Becky Hammon, New York Liberty; Ticha Penicheiro, Sacramento Monarchs; Adrienne Goodson, San Antonio Silver Stars; Amanda Lassiter, Seattle Storm, and Keisha Brown, Washington Mystics as players recognized by the WNBA for their off-season community outreach. The WNBA will donate $500 in the name of each off-season award winner to the charity of her choice.

Throughout the 2003 WNBA season, the league will select one player from across the league for the monthly Community Assist Award. The WNBA will donate $5,000 to the charity of the winner's choice.

The WNBA Community Assist Award is given out monthly by the league to recognize players for their charitable efforts. The award honors the WNBA player who reflects the passion that the league and its players have for their communities. All 14 WNBA teams are able to nominate a player for the award each month.

The WNBA, its teams and players are committed to programs that improve the quality of life for all people and has created and implemented programs that address important social issues, with a special emphasis on reading and online literacy initiatives for children. The WNBA and its 14 teams make a difference in North America through the WNBA Mind. Body. Spirit. and Read to Achieve programs, donations to charities and the implementation of community outreach initiatives, and through the production and airing of public service announcements.

The WNBA tipped off its seventh season on Thursday, May 22 with three sell-outs and traffic on WNBA.com up 130%. More WNBA games will be telecast nationally than ever before this season with games airing on ABC, ESPN2, Oxygen and NBA TV. Internationally, WNBA game telecasts will be carried in over 183 countries and 26 languages. A record 2,362,430 fans attended WNBA games during the 2002 season, resulting in an average attendance increase for the second straight season. For more information on the WNBA, visit www.wnba.com.