Kori Ellis
09-09-2005, 12:47 PM
Spurs-Heat game will aid Katrina survivors
Web Posted: 09/09/2005 12:00 AM CDT
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA090905.3D.BKNspurs.katrina.796837e.html
Mike Monroe
Express-News Staff Writer
There is no sense of renewal more profound than the birth of a child.
Twenty-four hours after witnessing the arrival of his first child — a boy named Ojani, delivered Wednesday by his wife, Yardley — Spurs forward Bruce Bowen embraced a chance to help victims of Hurricane Katrina renew their lives.
The defending NBA-champion Spurs announced Thursday they will play the Miami Heat in an exhibition game Oct. 10, at Miami's AmericanAirlines Arena, with all proceeds to benefit Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
The game is an addition to the exhibition schedules for both teams. The NBA and the players' union agreed to allow the additional date.
As the host team, the Heat is donating all revenue from ticket sales, concessions, parking and retail sales to the relief effort. The American Red Cross will receive funds, as well as a second charity, yet to be determined, and selected by the Spurs, Heat, NBA and the players' union.
Bowen, who played two seasons in Miami before joining the Spurs in 2001, called the game a great opportunity for players blessed by good fortune to do something tangible for the victims of Katrina's devastation.
"I think it's a great idea and opportunity, not just for the NBA and the players, but for the two organizations that are involved in this," Bowen said. "The Spurs are first-class, with all the things they do around the game in our community. From my time with the Heat, I know how heavily involved they are in their community.
"Now, another community that is part of our league needs us and we are combining, as two organizations, and helping out an entire state and region that so baldy needs it.
"We players understand we have the best lives in the world," Bowen said. "We owe a debt of gratitude to all our fans, everyone who supports us."
The Spurs had been scheduled to play their first exhibition game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Columbia, S.C., on Oct. 12. They will depart their training camp in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, two days earlier than planned to play the additional game.
The eight games originally on their exhibition schedule include an Oct. 20 game against the New Orleans Hornets. That game, scheduled for New Orleans Arena, will be moved to an alternate location.
"The Spurs' players and staff are eager to do what we can to help in the relief efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina," Spurs general manager R.C. Buford said. "This game will give everyone associated with our organization the chance to contribute their time and talents in the name of raising money for those affected by this tragedy."
Web Posted: 09/09/2005 12:00 AM CDT
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA090905.3D.BKNspurs.katrina.796837e.html
Mike Monroe
Express-News Staff Writer
There is no sense of renewal more profound than the birth of a child.
Twenty-four hours after witnessing the arrival of his first child — a boy named Ojani, delivered Wednesday by his wife, Yardley — Spurs forward Bruce Bowen embraced a chance to help victims of Hurricane Katrina renew their lives.
The defending NBA-champion Spurs announced Thursday they will play the Miami Heat in an exhibition game Oct. 10, at Miami's AmericanAirlines Arena, with all proceeds to benefit Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
The game is an addition to the exhibition schedules for both teams. The NBA and the players' union agreed to allow the additional date.
As the host team, the Heat is donating all revenue from ticket sales, concessions, parking and retail sales to the relief effort. The American Red Cross will receive funds, as well as a second charity, yet to be determined, and selected by the Spurs, Heat, NBA and the players' union.
Bowen, who played two seasons in Miami before joining the Spurs in 2001, called the game a great opportunity for players blessed by good fortune to do something tangible for the victims of Katrina's devastation.
"I think it's a great idea and opportunity, not just for the NBA and the players, but for the two organizations that are involved in this," Bowen said. "The Spurs are first-class, with all the things they do around the game in our community. From my time with the Heat, I know how heavily involved they are in their community.
"Now, another community that is part of our league needs us and we are combining, as two organizations, and helping out an entire state and region that so baldy needs it.
"We players understand we have the best lives in the world," Bowen said. "We owe a debt of gratitude to all our fans, everyone who supports us."
The Spurs had been scheduled to play their first exhibition game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Columbia, S.C., on Oct. 12. They will depart their training camp in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, two days earlier than planned to play the additional game.
The eight games originally on their exhibition schedule include an Oct. 20 game against the New Orleans Hornets. That game, scheduled for New Orleans Arena, will be moved to an alternate location.
"The Spurs' players and staff are eager to do what we can to help in the relief efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina," Spurs general manager R.C. Buford said. "This game will give everyone associated with our organization the chance to contribute their time and talents in the name of raising money for those affected by this tragedy."