Uncasville, CT (November 14, 2022) – Tomorrow, November 15, Connecticut Sun guards Courtney Williams and DiJonai Carrington will participate in an Athlete Ambassador Program event hosted by the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) in partnership with Delta Air Lines. WSF’s community partner Playworks New England will join the in-person event to celebrate sports and community advancement while encouraging young girls to play basketball. Through physical activity and meaningful conversation, the event will inspire girls of all abilities to participate in sports and to #KeepPlaying.
“The Women’s Sports Foundation is excited to bring the Athlete Ambassador Program to the Boston community. Thanks to our partnership with Delta – we are able to harness the power of elite women athletes to spark change in young girls through physical activity, education and engaging discussion. We’re thrilled the Connecticut Sun are joining our community partner Playworks New England tomorrow to make this event possible!” – Erin Pellegrino, WSF VP of Community Impact
The WSF Athlete Ambassador Program was created to connect professional, Olympic, Paralympic, and collegiate female athletes with girl-serving organizations throughout the country, encouraging these athletes to serve as role models to inspire, educate and keep girls playing. Additionally, the program serves to engage young girls in a meaningful and active way through sports activities, and to educate communities through discussions about leadership and responsibility.
This event highlights Delta’s commitment to diversity by supporting girls’ sports and youth development. The event’s theme is “Keep Girls Playing!” and will be held at Boston Latin Academy (205 Townsend St. Boston, MA) from 4:00-8:00pm EST.
“As the official airline of the Women’s Sports Foundation’s Athlete Ambassador Program, Delta is proud to support this program to connect young girls with female athletes they admire. This Program is a great example of how sports can bring communities together, bridge divides and encourage young people to follow their dreams.”
During the event, Carrington, Williams and Nicole Sheedy, Multi-National Sales Account Manager at Delta will share their passion for sports, while encouraging the event’s participants to keep playing through a panel discussion and a 45-minute basketball clinic.
“Having the opportunity to encourage young girls to follow their passions and live their hoop dreams is always really special. I’m glad I can use my journey and platform to inspire them.” – Courtney Williams, Connecticut Sun guard
About the Women’s Sports Foundation:
The Women’s Sports Foundation exists to enable girls and women to reach their potential in sport and life. We are an ally, an advocate and a catalyst. Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, we strengthen and expand participation and leadership opportunities through research, advocacy, community programming and a wide variety of collaborative partnerships. From its inception to Title IX’s 50th anniversary in 2022, WSF has invested over $100 million in these impact efforts, helping to shape the lives of millions of youth, high school and collegiate student-athletes, elite athletes and coaches. We’re building a future where every girl and woman can #KeepPlaying and unlock the lifelong benefits of sport participation. All girls. All women. All sports.® To learn more about the Women’s Sports Foundation, please visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org.
About Delta Air Lines:
Delta’s mission to connect the world starts with its commitment to being a strong partner to the communities where our employees live, work and serve. Focused on the pillars of Environment, Equity and Education, Delta invests its time and resources to care for the planet and the people within it. As a company driven by purpose, giving back to our communities has been core to Delta and its culture for nearly 100 years. Delta has been recognized as one of the 50 most community-minded companies in the U.S. as an honoree of The Civic 50 by Points of Light for the past five years in a row.
About Playworks New England, Boston, MA:
Playworks believes in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. Playworks New England partners with high-need elementary schools across the region to ensure that recess is an opportunity for students to have fun, be physically active, and learn the social and emotional skills they need to thrive. In addition to in-school support, Playworks holds after school developmental sports leagues for students in partner schools, including a Basketball League for female and non-binary students. By leveraging a team sport such as basketball, Playworks primarily focuses on building students’ confidence (on the court, in the classroom, and in the community), teaching the power of teamwork, and breaking down barriers to female participation in sports. Learn more at playworks.org/new-england.
Established in 2003, the Connecticut Sun is a professional women’s basketball team in the Women’s National Basketball Association that takes residence at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. For additional information or to purchase season tickets, visit www.connecticutsun.com.
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