Chicago Sky’s WNBA Finals Run Positively Impacts Community
![“Sometimes it feels surreal that I’m a role model that young kids look up to but with that I can remember being in their position at their age [and] wanting somebody to look up to so just for them to have that opportunity within their community also means a lot." - Chicago Sky Center Sylvia Fowles .](https://epmgaa.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/croppedphotos/2014/09/17/Sylvia_Fowles_breaking_the_huddle_t670.jpg?b3f6a5d7692ccc373d56e40cf708e3fa67d9af9d)
Photo By: David Sherman
Since its inaugural year in 2006, the Chicago Sky (Sky) women's basketball team, has consistently aspired to uplift, empower, and inspire young women, through community engagement initiatives. Additionally, the Sky’s recent run in the WNBA Finals has helped to further position the team's players and staff as role models for young women in the Chicago land area.
“It’s very important for our players and our organization to give back to not only girls but to the youth of Chicago, our players are committed on and off the court to the city of Chicago,” said Erika Swilley, Director of Operations for the Chicago Sky and President of Sky Cares. “I think it really helps young African American girls in the community to see these girls reaching these types of heights and goals that, they too, can achieve the same thing. I know a lot of our players come from humble beginnings so for them to come back and give back and show girls that they, too, can make it to the WNBA Finals or whatever their dreams are; they are obtainable.”
Established in 2006, the Sky is one of twelve Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) franchises. This year, the Sky made their first ever appearance in the WNBA Finals as Eastern Conference Champions where they were defeated 3-0 in a best-of-five series to the Phoenix Mercury.
For years, the Chicago Sky Cares Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Sky, has committed to building girls' self-esteem and providing girls and young women with positive mentors. The organization also promotes good conflict resolution strategies, appropriate ways of overcoming life's obstacles, and of course, fitness.
On September 13, at Fosco Park, 1219 W. 13th St. in Chicago, Sky players, coaches and staff held a WNBA FIT Clinic. Sky players taught the fundamentals of basketball to 75 children. The Chicago Citizen Newspaper spoke with Sky players and Sky General Manager and Head Coach, Pokey Chatman, about the experience.
“Sometimes it feels surreal that I’m a role model that young kids look up to but with that I can remember being in their position at their age [and] wanting somebody to look up to so just for them to have that opportunity within their community also means a lot,” said Sky center Sylvia Fowles.
Coach Chatman told The Chicago Citizen Newspaper that she “doesn’t take it lightly” that she is in a position to influence young girls. She added, “It’s a huge a responsibility and sometimes when you’re participating in things early on you don’t realize how many people are watching and how many people you’re inspiring but when you’re made aware you really appreciate the platform that you have.”
According to Nielsen, this year’s WNBA Finals viewership increased 92% compared to last year making it the most viewed WNBA Finals since 2000.
For more information about the Chicago Sky and the Chicago Sky Cares Foundation visit http://www.wnba.com/sky/index_main.html.
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