Phoenix Mercury give back

The Phoenix Mercury were honored for their 2007 championship season by President George W. Bush at the White House Monday, but the president also went out of his way to point out the community work the Mercury participate in as well.

The thing I love about this team and a lot of champions that I get to recognize here at the White House is the fact that they understand you’re a champ on the courts, and you’re a champ off the courts. The — this team spent weekends on a Habitat for Humanity program called, “Women Build.” They served meals at homeless shelters. They honored breast cancer survivors. They helped sign up runners for Race for the Cure. They collected water bottles from fans and donated them to the Salvation Army’s Extreme Heat Emergency Project. They participated in Read to Achieve. They helped stuff backpacks with supplies for underprivileged children.

They support the junior WNBA program, fully understanding that promoting healthy lifestyles is good for America, and there’s no better way to have a healthy lifestyle than to participate in athletics. They’ve done their duty as citizens of the United States. I’m honored to welcome you. I’m proud of your championship trophy. I thank you for what you do for the country. May God bless you all. (Applause.)

Here’s a look at some of the programs the Mercury participate in throughout their community.

Take 25 Educates Families
The Mercury partnered with Local Law Enforcement on Tuesday, June 3, for National Missing Children’s Day. Take 25 is a national child safety campaign that promotes an ongoing dialogue between children, families, and communities about child safety. Law enforcement agencies were on hand to provide education materials to encourage and educate families on how to keep their children safe.

Habitat for Humanity Women Build
Mercury President and COO Jay Parry was on hand for the ground breaking of the Habitat for Humanity Women build on Saturday, February 2, 2008. As part of the Mercury’s commitment to this project Mercury fans, coaches, staff and players will help build the home for nine weekends.

You can read more about the WNBA’s philanthropic work at WNBA Cares.