The College Park Skyhawks, the NBA G-League affiliate of the Atlanta Hawks, hosted a special basketball clinic for 60 girls at West Clayton Elementary School on Friday morning. The clinic was part of the National Girls and Women in Sports Day, a day to recognize the achievements and benefits of sports participation for women and girls.
Skyhawks assistant coach and female volunteers lead the clinic
The clinic was led by Skyhawks assistant coach Madeline Sulka, who is one of the few female coaches in the NBA G-League. She was joined by 13 women volunteers from the Atlanta Hawks and College Park Skyhawks organizations, who helped teach the girls the fundamentals of basketball, such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense.
Sulka said she was happy to share her passion for the game with the young girls and inspire them to pursue their dreams. “It’s such an amazing feeling to be able to give back to the community and see yourself in the young girls,” she said. “I grew up loving and playing the sport my entire life, so I know the joy the game always brought me, and I loved seeing that joy in the kids here today.”
National Girls and Women in Sports Day promotes empowerment and equality
National Girls and Women in Sports Day is an annual event that celebrates the accomplishments of female athletes, coaches, and leaders in sports. It also highlights the positive impact of sports participation for women and girls, such as improved health, confidence, and leadership skills. The theme for this year’s event was “Lead Her Forward”, which emphasizes the role of sports in creating opportunities and advancing gender equity.
The Skyhawks clinic was one of the many events and initiatives that took place across the country to honor and empower women and girls in sports. Some of the other events included panel discussions, webinars, awards ceremonies, and social media campaigns. The Skyhawks also provided two tickets to each girl who participated in the clinic, inviting them to attend their next home game on Saturday, Feb 10th against the Capital City Go-Go.
Skyhawks continue to support the local community through basketball
The Skyhawks are the newest team in the NBA G-League, having debuted in the 2023-24 season. They play their home games at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia, which is also the practice facility for the Atlanta Hawks. The Skyhawks are currently in the fourth place in the Eastern Conference with a 9-5 record.
The Skyhawks have been actively involved in the local community since their inception, hosting various basketball clinics, camps, and outreach programs for youth and families. They have also partnered with several organizations and schools to promote education, health, and social responsibility. The Skyhawks aim to provide a positive and entertaining experience for their fans and the community through the game of basketball.
