[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 122 (Thursday, July 31, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5305-S5306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING THE DELAWARE 87ERS

  Mr. COONS. Madam President, I wish to recognize the National 
Basketball Association's Developmental League team, the Delaware 87ers 
and their impact on my community.
  In April 2013, Delaware sports fans rejoiced when the Philadelphia 
76ers acquired an NBA Development League team, the Utah Flash, and 
chose to relocate the franchise to Delaware. The Delaware 87ers are 
named in recognition of Delaware's place in United States history as 
the first state to ratify the United States Constitution on December 7, 
1787, as well as in a nod to the franchise's parent team, the 
Philadelphia 76ers.
  The Sevens promised and delivered a fast-paced, high-scoring NBA 
brand of action with the fan-friendliness and affordability for which 
the NBA Development League is known.
  During their inaugural season, the Sevens' success grew, drawing a 
steady and passionate fan base to the Bob Carpenter Center as they 
squared off against D-League teams from around the country. Rivalries 
were built with the Canton Charge, Erie BayHawks, Fort Wayne Mad Ants 
and the Maine Red Claws.
  The passion of the players and coaches, their connection to the 
community, affordable ticket prices and family-friendly amenities drew 
thousands of fans to Newark. Head coach Rod Baker and his team, led by 
fan favorites Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Kendall Marshall, Lorenzo Brown 
and Vander Blue, finished their first season displaying flashes of 
brilliance and leaving fans with high hopes for greatness to come.
  Even more important than their on-court accomplishments was the 
team's off-court impact on the community. Prior to their inaugural 
season, the Sevens unveiled their SEVENS STRONG community initiative, 
which included revitalizing seven basketball courts in seven days, as 
well as each of their employees pledging 87 hours of community service 
throughout the year. Basketball courts that received makeovers included 
Adams Court, Fraim Boys & Girls Club, Kosciuszko Park, Helen Chambers 
Park, Tatnall Park, Woodlawn Park and Judy Johnson Park.
  Throughout the 2013-14 season, the Sevens attracted more than 38,000 
fans and averaged over 2,100 fans for the last eight contests. The 
attendance increase can undoubtedly be traced back to their commitment 
to the community and their tireless grassroots presence in Newark, 
Wilmington, Christiana, Hockessin, Newport, Elsmere and Elkton. Players 
and the front office staff participated in countless community-based 
activities including visiting Christiana Care and AI Dupont/Nemours 
Hospital for Children monthly, partnering with Stubbs Elementary School 
for a Green Week Challenge, volunteering at the Delaware Food Bank, 
hosting four non-profit promotions at games: Lyme Disease Awareness 
Night, B+ Foundation Night, Christiana Care NICU Night and USO Night, 
participating in more than a dozen community events, and donating over 
8,000 tickets to Delaware-based community organizations and charities. 
The team truly embraced the meaning of community and civic engagement.
  We congratulate the Delaware 87ers on a successful season, both on 
and off the court, and wish them continued success in their second 
season. We look forward to supporting them as they work to inspire 
their fans and better our community.

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