Sacramento Monarchs Unveil “Court Of Dreams” at YMCA

Laughter, smiles, loud yells and high fives dominated the afternoon at the Greater Sacramento YMCA this week, as the Sacramento Monarchs unveiled the brand new “Court of Dreams.” The new court is a result of a contest won by the Sacramento area Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs and YMCA, after teaming up to win the official WNBA court for the YMCA by taking first place in last season’s WNBA Court of Dreams ticket sales contest.

After addressing the crowd, Monarchs players Kara Lawson, Chelsea Newton, Kristin Haynie and Brittany Wilkins, along with assistant coach Monique Ambers and Monarchs legend Ruthie Bolton put on a specially set up basketball clinic for the kids.

“Are you ready to play some ball,” Lawson eagerly asked the kids. “YES!” they shouted back, as they broke into their small groups around the hoops. “We’re excited as Monarchs because we feel like we’re a part of this community and when we play and have success, we know it’s because of the people and fans who support us, and come watch us play,” said Lawson.

The annual promotional campaign involved community groups from each of the 14 WNBA team markets competing to sell the most tickets for local WNBA games through the program period. Together, the Kiwanis, Rotary and YMCA groups won by selling 6,284 tickets!

“The Kiwanis’ motto is to serve kids of the world,” said Gary Christensen of the Kiwanis. “We really feel like this court will serve the community for many years to come and that is exactly what we’re all about.”

This was the second year Sacramento area Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs teamed up, after coming in second place to the Washington Mystics in 2005.

Though the Washington Mystics won the national promotion in 2005, Joe and Gavin Maloof built a new basketball court for the Children’s Receiving Home on behalf of the Rotary and Kiwanis clubs that year.

“What the Kiwanis and Rotary have in common is that we care about Kids, and we care about the community,” said Doug Kraft of the Rotary Club. “By teaming together, we were able to do something that was really fantastic for the kids.”