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The WNBA and NBA World Championship Trophies Visit Flint Plants
NBA and WNBA Championship Trophy Tour Rolls into Flint!
The WNBA and NBA Championship trophies recently made their rounds through a number of General Motor factories in the basketball Mecca of Flint, Michigan. On Monday, August 23 and Wednesday, August 25 Flint GM employees had the opportunity to take pictures with both trophies in front of the official Pistons/Shock Trophy Tour backdrop, meet Flint native and member of the 2003 WNBA Champion Shock Stacey Thomas and receive autographs. Employees made charity donations in exchange for the photo opportunity with the trophies and all proceeds went to the United Way. Employees rushed to see the trophies and long lines formed for Thomas' autograph and the Flint auto workers were excited to attend the Shock's September 14th home game at The Palace of Auburn Hills versus New York, or the September 19 finale on The Palace hardwood versus Charlotte.
The Flint Trophy Tour consisted of seven plant appearances including Powertrain Flint North, Flint Processing Center, Flint GM Assembly, Flint Metal Center, Grand Blanc Metal Center, Flint Engine South, and GM World Headquarters. The tour was a unique experience because employees had the opportunity to embrace both trophies that belong to the Detroit professional basketball teams as the Pistons and Shock wanted to give back to some of the greatest basketball fans in the world as part of its Year Round Hoops campaign! Upon arrival at each plant, the crowds were very eager for the trophies to be revealed. Some employees expected to see an imitation of the actual trophies. When they were assured that it was the "real deal" that had been held by the Detroit Shock and Detroit Pistons players at the championship games, the employees were eager to touch, hold, and take pictures with them -- many even laying a smacker on the Tiffany's polished gold and silver darlings!
Considering both the Shock and Pistons were named with Michigan's automotive theme in mind, it is understandable why the automotive employees were so excited to be a part of the tour. Although the trophies were the highlight, the crowd was just as thrilled to be able to meet WNBA Champion and Flint's own Stacey Thomas. Thomas, a graduate of Flint Southwestern Academy, was greeted with enthusiasm as a hometown hero. Many people remembered her from as early as high school and explained how much of an impact she has on the community as a role model. "I can't say enough how wonderful it was to meet so many hard working Flintstones," said Thomas, who was up as early as 5:30am for the early morning tour stops. "I met so many supportive basketball fans during this tour, and of course ran into so many old friends and well wishers who have followed my career over the years. Flint is family to me and I've always appreciated their support. And there is no doubt that the city of Flint is behind the Detroit Shock."
The General Motors tour was a big success for everyone involved. The tour reached thousands of Shock and Pistons fans and in return they expressed their love for Detroit basketball. There is no question that the Flint community is behind the Detroit Shock (and Pistons) and are excited to support the team down the September WNBA Playoff Drive as the Shock takes aim at repeating as WNBA Champions and changing The Palace address to Five Championship Drive!
The Flint Trophy Tour consisted of seven plant appearances including Powertrain Flint North, Flint Processing Center, Flint GM Assembly, Flint Metal Center, Grand Blanc Metal Center, Flint Engine South, and GM World Headquarters. The tour was a unique experience because employees had the opportunity to embrace both trophies that belong to the Detroit professional basketball teams as the Pistons and Shock wanted to give back to some of the greatest basketball fans in the world as part of its Year Round Hoops campaign! Upon arrival at each plant, the crowds were very eager for the trophies to be revealed. Some employees expected to see an imitation of the actual trophies. When they were assured that it was the "real deal" that had been held by the Detroit Shock and Detroit Pistons players at the championship games, the employees were eager to touch, hold, and take pictures with them -- many even laying a smacker on the Tiffany's polished gold and silver darlings!
Considering both the Shock and Pistons were named with Michigan's automotive theme in mind, it is understandable why the automotive employees were so excited to be a part of the tour. Although the trophies were the highlight, the crowd was just as thrilled to be able to meet WNBA Champion and Flint's own Stacey Thomas. Thomas, a graduate of Flint Southwestern Academy, was greeted with enthusiasm as a hometown hero. Many people remembered her from as early as high school and explained how much of an impact she has on the community as a role model. "I can't say enough how wonderful it was to meet so many hard working Flintstones," said Thomas, who was up as early as 5:30am for the early morning tour stops. "I met so many supportive basketball fans during this tour, and of course ran into so many old friends and well wishers who have followed my career over the years. Flint is family to me and I've always appreciated their support. And there is no doubt that the city of Flint is behind the Detroit Shock."
The General Motors tour was a big success for everyone involved. The tour reached thousands of Shock and Pistons fans and in return they expressed their love for Detroit basketball. There is no question that the Flint community is behind the Detroit Shock (and Pistons) and are excited to support the team down the September WNBA Playoff Drive as the Shock takes aim at repeating as WNBA Champions and changing The Palace address to Five Championship Drive!
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