WHO:

The APS Power Players Team and the Phoenix Mercury  

WHAT:

A Power Players basketball clinic with current Phoenix Mercury players and coaches. Participants will be members of the Boys and Girls Clubs Stewart Branch (6629 W. Clarendon Ave. in Phoenix), and members of the Peoria Branch (11820 North 81^st Ave. in Peoria).

The event will include a presentation on the importance of having good character. Von Bryant, a national trainer with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America will speak on the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.

WHEN:

1 to 3 p.m., Wednesday, July 16, 2008

WHERE:

US Airways Center on the Suns/Mercury Main basketball court.

WHY:

To provide positive influences and specific sports skills training for young people in the communities where APS employees work and live.

The APS Power Players program, launched in April 2005, supports the Arizona Character Education Foundation in promoting character education throughout the state. APS Power Players is a partnership between APS, the Arizona Character Education Foundation, the Arizona Department of Education and the state’s major professional and college sports teams.

Through the APS Power Players program, students have the opportunity to receive professional athletic instruction and learn how to be a person of character. The program also provides development or improvement of select athletic facilities statewide.