Friday, June 13, 2008         
                                         

DC Sports & Entertainment Commission Co-Sponsors Hoop Dreams Charity Basketball Tournament and Community Festival  
DCSEC Vice Chairman Bill Hall Takes to the Court for the 13th Annual Event Uniting the Washington Metropolitan Community around Student Achievement

(Washington, DC) – The DC Sports and Entertainment Commission (DCSEC) will join the Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund to celebrate its 13th annual Charity Basketball Tournament and community festival on Saturday, June 14, 2008.  The event, which recognizes the academic accomplishments of District students, will take place on Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 6th Streets, NW from 9 a.m. until 6:30pm, with the sponsor recognition ceremony starting at 12 pm followed by the celebrity basketball game.

This year’s celebrity game will feature Vernon Davis, a former star at the University of Maryland and the District’s Dunbar High School, Andray Blatche, a second year forward and Roger Mason, a third year guard, both with the Washington Wizards, as well as other local celebrities, NFL, NBA and WNBA players, students, community and business leaders.  DCSEC Vice Chairman Bill Hall will also show off his skills by bringing his A-game to the court to support the event.

“I am thrilled to participate again in this fantastic event as we celebrate these academically accomplished students in the District,” said Hall.   “DCSEC looks forward to a continued partnership with Hoop Dreams as we help enrich the lives of youth throughout the city.”

Since 2002, DCSEC has given nearly $55,000 in grants to Hoop Dreams as part of its commitment to pay tribute to the academic successes of high-achieving students of District public schools.

Hoop Dreams was founded in 1996 and continues to be led by its founder Susie Kay, who taught American Government for over a decade at H.D. Woodson High School. Kay saw many of her outstanding students denied the opportunity to pursue their dream of a college education due to a lack of financial resources and other obstacles. In response, Kay created Hoop Dreams and has since sent over 900 DC youth to college.

About DC Sports and Entertainment Commission
The DC Sports and Entertainment Commission, an independent agency of the District of Columbia government, oversaw the successful construction of Nationals Park and is responsible for the management and operation of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, the DC Armory and their adjacent facilities.  The Commission is also charged with presenting and promoting sports, entertainment and special events.