Maryland's Williams To Be Inducted Into 'Greater Washington Sports Hall Of Champions' Wednesday
9/22/2004 8:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Sept. 22, 2004
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Terrapin basketball coach Gary Williams joins Washington Redskins great Darrell Green and Washington Sports and Entertainment Chairman and CEO Abe Pollin on Wednesday as the inaugural inductees into the new Greater Washington Sports Hall of Champions.
The Greater Washington Sports Alliance selected Williams, Green and Pollin for the distinction based on their significant contributions to the Washington, D.C., region's sports community. The trio's induction into the Hall of Champions takes place at the Sports Alliance's inaugural SneakerBall on September 22 at MCI Center.
During SneakerBall, a "black-tie and sneakers" gala hosted by the Greater Washington Sports Alliance, inductees will be acknowledged for their achievements on the court, in the field and in the community. In addition to recognizing these prominent individuals, SneakerBall will raise funds for local youth charities that use sports to build character, encourage leadership, promote fitness and enhance education.
"Thanks to the vision and achievements of these fine community leaders, Greater Washington has become an exciting town with a vibrant sports environment," said Fernando Murias, Chairman, Greater Washington Sports Alliance and Greater Washington Area Managing Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers. "It's time to collectively recognize them for their leadership, and what better place to honor them than at a unique benefit for sports-related charities?"
Williams, a 1968 Maryland graduate entering the 16th season as the head coach at his alma mater, was named the 2002 National Basketball Coach of the Year and is one of only five coaches to have led his team to the past 11 NCAA tournaments. He has transformed Maryland men's basketball into one of the nation's most formidable programs, and has gathered a following that has consistently resulted in sellout crowds at Cole Field House and at Comcast Center. He is involved in numerous charitable organizations, including Coaches Versus Cancer, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, National Autism Research, National Physical Education Council and The Salvation Army.
For Williams, the Sneaker Ball and induction ceremony come amidst a busy week of community activities. On Monday, University President Dan Mote announced that Williams will serve as the co-chair and spokesperson for a multimillion dollar scholarship fund-raiser to benefit Maryland students, before Williams delivered an address to the Alexandria (Va.) Chamber of Commerce on Monday Evening. On Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Stamp Student Union on campus, Williams will address more than 500 university students involved in Greek life.
Abe Pollin oversees operations of the Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, Ticket Master Washington/Baltimore and the management of MCI Center and George Mason University Patriot Center. In 1975, Pollin opened the Capital Centre in Landover, MD and applied for and won a National Hockey League expansion franchise. Over the years, Pollin has initiated numerous community projects, including the Washington Sports and Entertainment Education Fund. In 2002, he raised $3 million for the DC School System; Pollin's other philanthropic work includes providing assistance to America's Second Harvest and the Capital Area Food Bank.
Washington Redskins' alumni Darrell Green is a leader both on and off the field. He has been hailed seven-time All-Pro defensive back, four-time winner of the NFL Fastest Man Competition, and a leader in three Super Bowls and seven Pro Bowls. Through the Darrell Green Youth Life Foundation, he is able to have an impact on the lives of DC area youth through programs emphasizing respect and non-violent conflict resolution.
Greater Washington Sports Hall of Champions' inductees were selected by the SneakerBall Host Committee, a group of established regional business and sports leaders. Criteria for selecting the honorees includes outstanding achievement and sizable impact on the individual's sport, extensive community service in Greater Washington and significant efforts to increase visibility for the region as a sports town. Following SneakerBall, a permanent enshrinement to the inductees will be visible to the public in the MCI Center.
