The Work: 

Interactive Community Engagement, Partnership Development, Branding, Sponsorship Acquisition

Description:

With a goal of supporting girls’ interest in team sports, specifically basketball, the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks teamed with MARC Global Communications to create “Get the Spark!, a community-based initiative to promote sports, nutrition, health, and self-esteem. We worked with the Sparks to develop partnerships with LA84, Time Warner Cable Sports, and LA Parks & Recreation Centers in Cheviot Hills, Marvista, Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks and the Rancho Cienega communities to host a special “Get the Spark!” Girls’ Summer Basketball Tournament. The robust program included an inspiring basketball clinic led by Lisa Leslie at the 2013 BET Experience and a Red Carpet screening of the film “My Black is Beautiful” film presented by Pantene. Girls aged 11 -13 years old, also joined in a one-hour meet & greet and Q&A session with the LA Sparks, followed by a two-hour basketball clinic led by the LA Sparks Coach Head Coach Carol Ross and Sparks athletes at the Cheviot Hills Park. The clinic was followed by three-week tournament operated and supervised by the LA Parks & Recreation Centers.

The Get the Spark! Summer Basketball Tournament culminated with a semi-final round and championship game played at the Los Angeles Staples Center at half-time during an official LA Sparks home game. The tournament game was featured on Time Warner Cable Sports, and winners were announced and celebrated with a check presentation and trophies for the finalists. All activities were supported with social media, public relations, and on-line support by the LA Sparks, who also provided 400 free tickets to families from participating parks. With the success of the first-year initiative, the program hopes to build a solid foundation for the next generation of women athletes by supporting and developing the talents of young girls.