Although wins were hard to come by for the Atlanta Dream in their first season, the team managed to get one win that will make a youth organization in Atlanta very happy. It was announced last week by the WNBA that the Dream had won the 2008 Discover Card Home Court Challenge. As a result of Atlanta’s victory, one area youth group will receive a new basketball court sponsored by Spalding. Last month, a group of youth basketball players from Atlanta competed against other youths from Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Sacramento and Washington to win the new basketball court. The groups were divided into two teams designated by age group, and competed in a variety of basketball skill competitions. The group from Atlanta finished with the fastest overall time in the competition. Now an area youth group will receive a brand-new basketball court, featuring a pair of Spalding 72-inch arena-view backboards and 24 Spalding NEVER FLAT basketballs.
Beginning two weeks ago with the game against Mississippi State, Georgia Tech launched its annual “Jackets Give Back” program in an effort to raise money to buy Christmas gifts for underprivileged Atlanta-area children. During each home game this season, volunteers—including the parents of players—will set up outside of Bobby Dodd Stadium asking for donations for the program. At the end of the season, the players will take all the money collected and shop for gifts. After purchasing the gifts, the players will wrap and deliver the gifts themselves.
COMING UP
While most tennis fans have been awaiting December’s Infinite Energy Atlanta Slam, there is another event going on in the next few weeks, with the proceeds benefiting a great cause. Tennis legend Billie Jean King and musical artist Elton John will host the Advanta WTT Smash Hits on Oct. 12 at the Kennesaw State University Convocation in Kennesaw. Andy Roddick, Anna Kournikova, Martina Navratilova and other pros are scheduled to participate. The event will benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Atlanta AIDS Partnership Fund. Since its inception in 1993, the Advanta WTT Samsh Hits has raised over $8.5 million.
Last week’s TOUR Championship at East Lake featured plenty of excitement on the course, but unfortunately there was a little two much excitement in the gallery in one harrowing moment. An errant Anthony Kim tee-shot struck a spectator in the head during Saturday’s third round. The gentleman was witnessed to have a large welt on his hand as medical staff attended to him. Kim went over to check on the man and even left a signed golf ball. The man was said to be okay later in the day.
BACK ON THE ICE
It may not quite feel like fall yet outside but if you’re looking to cool down there will be plenty of free hockey events around town for any puck-head to enjoy. On Saturday, the Thrashers will host an open practice before the team’s game against the St. Louis Blues. The doors at Philips Arena will open at 9:30 a.m. and the skate will end around 1 p.m. The first 50 fans will receive a free ticket to the Thrashers preseason game against St. Louis that night.
If you’re north of the city and too low on gas to make it down to Atlanta, you can check out the Thrashers’ minor-league affiliate, the Gwinnett Gladiators, on Saturday as well. Beginning at 3 p.m., the Gladiators will hold an open house at the Arena at Gwinnett Center. The open house will be the first chance for season ticket holders to pick up their tickets, and will also allow fans to find and purchase ticket packages right then and there at the Arena. A few of Gladiator players and mascot Maximus will be on hand to sign autographs for fans in attendance.
Boral can be reached at jboral@scoreatl.com.
Loading ...
