Elaine Powell accepts the Community Assist Award from Palace President and CEO Tom Wilson.
Dena Beth Krischer / Shock Photo
Elaine Powell to Receive WNBA Community Assist Award

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Detroit Shock guard Elaine Powell has been awarded the WNBA Community Assist Award for the 2002-03 WNBA off-season. As the Shock�s starting point-guard, Powell is a team leader both on and off the court.

�Receiving this award is very special for me,� said Powell, a graduate of Louisiana State University. �It is important to me to share my life experiences with the kids to instill in them that they can be their own champion and achieve their goals and dreams through education and perseverance.�

Powell started her off-season outreach by visiting local YMCAs sharing her personal story of success while highlighting the importance of reading, education and the critical role it has played in her life. She also carried the same message to local schools as part of the Shock�s �Student for a Day� program, developed to emphasize the significance of education to students of all levels while utilizing professional athletes as role models. During the 2002-03 school year, Powell addressed students ranging from elementary school to high school, encouraging them to develop their own formula for success.

In addition to speaking to area youth about education, Powell also conducted basketball clinics for kids of different age groups teaching them skills and the importance of teamwork while talking about the love she has for the game and how it has provided a wealth of opportunities for her.

Devoted to the metro Detroit community, Powell, who played professionally for the NWBL Grand Rapids Blizzard during the 2002-03 WNBA off-season, frequently commuted from Grand Rapids, Mich. to Detroit for all scheduled appearances.

Elaine Powell�s devotion to the youth of metro Detroit made its mark, and on Thursday, June 5th, when the Shock take on the Connecticut Sun for an 11:00 a.m. matinee game, she will be presented with the 2003 WNBA Community Assist Award in recognition of her commitment to the community. In honor of Elaine Powell, the WNBA will donate $500 to the charity of her choice. She has selected the American Diabetes Association to be the beneficiary of the WNBA donation.

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