Elena Delle Donne named a Special Olympics Global Ambassador
Ready to Play Unified! @De11eDonne is here at Homewood Flossmoor in Chicago! pic.twitter.com/UpQUU1iazd
— Special Olympics (@SpecialOlympics) February 7, 2014
The Chicago Sky’s Elena Delle Donne became a Special Olympics Global Ambassador the organization announced Friday. The 2013 WNBA Rookie of the Year will support Special Olympics’ efforts in promoting acceptance, inclusion, respect and dignity for people with intellectual disabilities and will kick off her involvement with a special assembly at Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School in Flossmoor, Illinois.
“I’m so proud to serve as a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics given their mission is so important to me,” said Delle Donne. “My sister Lizzie has an intellectual disability and I’ve always loved working with Special Olympics and being able to get on the court and see young people with and without intellectual disabilities passing the ball and playing together.”
As part of her role as an Ambassador, Elena will invite Special Olympics athletes to join her at her De11e Donne Skills Academy and will work to promote basketball development within Special Olympics. She will also take part in key initiatives for Special Olympics including Spread the Word to End the Word Day on March 5 and the Motor Activities Program (MATP), in which her sister has been an active participant. MATP provides specialized training for athletes in skills that may lead to participation in a traditional Special Olympics event.
“Elena Delle Donne is a great addition to our Special Olympics family,” said Janet Froetscher, CEO of Special Olympics International. “Our goal is to raise awareness about the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities. Through sports, we showcase the skills and dignity of our athletes. Elena is a powerful force that will help us deliver this mission around the world. Not only is she a highly skilled athlete, but her passion for our organization shines and I know she will help us reach many more athletes.”
Delle Donne is also a participant in upcoming NBA All-Star Game activities, including the celebrity game and shootout competition.
