Phoenix Suns 2010-11 Media Guide - NBA Media Central
Phoenix Suns 2010-11 Media Guide - NBA Media Central
Phoenix Suns 2010-11 Media Guide - NBA Media Central
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Community Outreach<br />
328<br />
Community<br />
Outreach<br />
<strong>NBA</strong> Cares<br />
Community outreach is integral to the <strong>Phoenix</strong> <strong>Suns</strong> mission. Last year, the <strong>Suns</strong>:<br />
- Renovated a reading and learning center<br />
- Refurbished two basketball courts<br />
- Donated over 40,000 pounds of food to local agenices to feed the hungry<br />
- Provided holiday gifts to children at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center<br />
- Totaled over 8,000 volunteer hours throughout the Valley to assist non-profits<br />
- Over 18,000 kids play basketball through the Jr. <strong>Suns</strong>/Jr. Mercury basketball program<br />
EDUCATION<br />
Live, Learn and Play Projects<br />
The cornerstone of the <strong>Suns</strong>’ projects is based off the principles of: building places to live, creating places to pla and<br />
renovating places to learn. Throughout the season, the <strong>Suns</strong> touch thousands of people through these projects. In addition,<br />
<strong>Suns</strong> players and The Gorilla support these programs through various apperances at each. Other components of the program<br />
include book drives, essay contests, and television and radio public service announcements.<br />
<strong>Suns</strong>/Diamondbacks Education Academy<br />
The problem of high school dropouts is startling. In 2009-10, 5.1% of Arizona’s high school students dropped out, including<br />
4,500 dropouts from the <strong>Phoenix</strong> Union High School District alone...one of the highest dropout rates in the country.<br />
The <strong>Suns</strong> are proud to be part of a unique solution addressing the dropout problem. In partnership with Communities in<br />
Schools of Arizona, the <strong>Suns</strong>/Diamondbacks Education Academy provides educational opportunities to high-risk students ages<br />
16-21 who have out-aged high school. The academy does so by addressing their needs through individualized programs that<br />
are motivational and are offered at times that meet their schedules. Although PUHSD, the largest district in the Valley, is the<br />
educational partner in this project, students from throughout metro <strong>Phoenix</strong> are eligible to attend the Academy. Throughout<br />
the year, <strong>Suns</strong> and Diamondbacks employees visit the school to encourage students and reward their accomplishments.<br />
Quest for Quality<br />
The <strong>Suns</strong> donate thousands of complimentary tickets to schools and charity organizations each season. Through the Quest<br />
for Quality program, sponsored by APS, Arizona schools apply for an allotment of tickets to be used as student rewards for<br />
exemplary behavior and achievement. Two students from each school are selected to have his/her picture taken with a <strong>Suns</strong><br />
player on the court at halftime, and every student receives a certificate of achievement.<br />
COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY<br />
Jr. <strong>Suns</strong>/Jr. Mercury Youth Basketball Leagues<br />
Jr. <strong>Suns</strong>/Jr. Mercury Youth Basketball Leagues provide kids with the opportunity to learn what it takes to win... both on<br />
and off the court. Kids of all skill levels can participate in leagues that run throughout the year and even have a chance to<br />
scrimmage in front of the home crowd at US Airways Center. Special visits by <strong>Suns</strong> and Mercury players, coaches and alumni<br />
provide added motivation for the kids. By showing kids that a winning attitude goes a long way, Jr. <strong>Suns</strong>/Jr. Mercury provides<br />
boys and girls ages 6-18 a chance to learn the important lessons of life, the value of a good education, good sportsmanship<br />
and giving back to the community. The program is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Dick’s Sporting Goods<br />
and Gatorade.<br />
<strong>Suns</strong> Nite Hoops<br />
<strong>Suns</strong> Nite Hoops is an educational, job placement and recreational program for young adults. This free organized basketball<br />
league offers men ages 18-25 a positive alternative to drugs, gangs and violence. Though the hoops are the big draw, participants<br />
are required to attend a 45-minute educational workshop prior to each game. There they meet with professional facilitators<br />
to discuss important issues such as improving their education and learning personal development skills. <strong>Suns</strong> Nite Hoops also<br />
provides two case managers who work one-on-one with each participant as they work toward specific, personal goals. The<br />
success of the program has helped young men change their lives and become productive members of the community.
Change language