For Immediate Release: Contacts: Steve Boyd (202) 441-0442 Lydia Pellicia (202) 667-0901 x159
7TH ANNUAL HOOP DREAMS SCHOLARSHIP TOURNAMENT UNITES WASHINGTON TO HELP INNER-CITY DC STUDENTS REACH THEIR COLLEGE DREAMS
Fund To Award 700th Scholarship
Washington, DC – On Saturday, June 8th, the 7th Annual Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund charity basketball tournament will be held, featuring a wide array of local celebrities and community leaders. The tournament, both a sports event and a community festival, marks the culmination of a year-long effort of academic fundraising and mentoring bringing together DC public high school students and area business professionals.
“The Hoop Dreams Tournament is a way that we as a community can come together to make education a priority for all our youth,” commented Jahidi White of the Washington Wizards. The 3 on 3 basketball tournament begins at 9:00 a.m. in front of the National Building Museum, on G St. NW, and will include a short speaking program and celebrity remarks starting at noon, followed by a Celebrity Game.
The tournament will Bring together over 1,000 people including young professionals, students, business and community leaders, media personalities, NBA and WNBA players come together for a day of friendly competition. Among those participating will be Jahidi White, Kwame Brown, and Etan Thomas of the Washington Wizards; Arthur Agee, star of the Hoop Dreams documentary; Ted Leonsis, Vice Chairman of AOL and Majority owner of Lincoln Holdings, which owns the Washington Capitals and 44% of the Washington Wizards and MCI Center.
Ted Leonsis, who is also a Hoop Dreams mentor said, "The Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund is extraordinary and this Tournament really brings together so many different segments of the city to do something good for the youth of DC. Together, we can help make the educational dreams of hard working students a reality."
One highlight of the tournament will be an entertaining Celebrity Game played by local celebrities such as Elliot in the Morning, and Jeff Jones, Coach of the American University Men’s Basketball team. A great team of announcers will call commentary and play-by-play led Wally Bruckner of NBC4 and Wizards announcer Phil Chenier.
Hoop Dreams was created 1996 and continues to be led by the founder and President of the organization, Susie Kay, who has taught at HD Woodson High School for 12 years. Woodson is an inner city high school located east of the Anacostia River in Washington, DC. Kay was inspired by the perseverance of her students yet frustrated after seeing so many denied the opportunity to pursue their dreams of a college education due to a lack of financial and other resources. What was to be a one-day, one time charity tournament in June 1996 drew out such energy and optimism that it sparked an effort that has become a year-round program.
Through the tremendous work of volunteers, supporters, and a small staff, the Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund will award its 700th college scholarship this year. Since 1996, the Hoop Dreams has raised more than $2 million for academic scholarships. In addition, since 1999, Hoop Dreams has raised and delivered over $800,000 for services and mentoring programs directly serving students.
To sign up teams, volunteer, contribute, or for more information, call 202-414-4933 or visit www.hoopdreams.org. The Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
The 7th Annual Hoop Dreams 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
WHEN: Saturday, June 8, Games start 9 a.m.; Short speaking program and celebrity remarks start at noon, followed by Celebrity Game.
WHERE: Outside National Building Museum, G Street, NW, between 4th & 5th Streets; Judiciary Square Metro on Red Line.
WHO: Sports, business, education and community leaders join local area high school students. Participants include: D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams; Jahidi White, Kwame Brown, and Etan Thomas (Washington Wizards); Arthur Agee (star of the original Hoop Dreams documentary), Jeff Jones, coach of the American University Men’s Basketball team; other NBA players and members of the WNBA Washington Mystics; “Rane” from the Hometeam on WPGC; appearances by WHFS personalities; DC101’s Elliot in the Morning; and Ted Leonsis, Vice Chairman of AOL and Majority owner of Lincoln Holdings, which owns the Washington Capitals and 44% of the Washington Wizards and MCI Center.
WHY: The cornerstone of the Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund is the annual charity tournament and community festival, which brings together a diverse group of athletes, business leaders, students, and the community minded to help provide academic college scholarships and mentoring programs for DC public high school students.
Highlights include:
· The tournament matches up 128 3-on-3 teams of adults and DC public high school students; players ages 15 to adult welcome; Youth sports arena games for children ages 9 to 12.
· Sprite “Hot Shot” court - 3 point shooting and other contests; Raffle prizes including sports memorabilia, a new Jeep Liberty.
· Music and other entertainment; complimentary food and beverages.
· Performances by the Washington Wizards Dance Team
· Appearance by “Spinny” the basketball trick artist and other entertainers
· Music: DJ AJ and live music by Billy Mayfield and the Soul Truth