(New York, May 26, 2004) – Liberty, Guard Becky Hammon is the recipient of the WNBA Offseason Community Assist Award. Among the highlights for Hammon this offseason include, the Becky Hammon basketball camp for underprivileged kids both in New York and Colorado along with her continued support of the Madison Square Garden Cheering for Children Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club of Rapid City, South Dakota.

Hammon joins Andrea Stinson, Charlotte Sting; Nykesha Sales, Connecticut Sun; Barb Farris, Detroit Shock; Cynthia Cooper; Houston Comets; Niele Ivey, Indiana Fever; Nikki Teasley, Los Angeles Sparks; Tamika Williams, Minnesota Lynx; Kayte Christensen, Phoenix Mercury; DeMya Walker, Sacramento Monarchs; Adrienne Goodson, San Antonio Silver Stars; Adia Barnes, Seattle Storm, and Chamique Holdsclaw, Washington Mystics as players recognized by the WNBA for their offseason community outreach. As a result of their efforts, the WNBA will donate $500 in the name of each offseason award winner to the charity of her choice.

During the regular season, the WNBA Community Assist Award is given out monthly by the league to recognize players for their charitable efforts. Each month all 13 WNBA teams are able to nominate a player for the award, which honors the player who best reflects the league’s passion for making a difference in their communities.

Through programs such as WNBA Breast Health Awareness, WNBA Mind. Body. Spirit, and WNBA Read to Achieve, the WNBA has helped to create a more comprehensive awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer, good nutrition, regular exercise, and a positive self-image, and has worked to bring the joy of reading to millions of children across the country.

The New York Liberty basketball team, in its eighth year of operation with the 2004 season, is part of the Madison Square Garden, L.P. Cablevision Systems Corporation owns a controlling interest in the MSG L.P., which also include the New York Knicks (NBA), the New York Rangers (NHL), the Hartford Wolfpack (American Hockey League), the MSG Network, Fox Sports New York and the Madison Square Garden arena complex, located in the heart of the New York metropolitan area.