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Billie Jean King
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Philadelphia Freedoms
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PHILADELPHIA, P.A. (May 16, 2013) – The Philadelphia Freedoms are currently accepting applications online
from youth athletes for the Billie Jean King Character Award. The Billie Jean King Character Award provides
scholarships to ten youth, ages 10-18, who are or are seeking to become a competitive athlete in any sport, to
participate in tournaments or on their school team, and who have displayed outstanding character. The award aims to
reward and to exemplify those who have displayed good character, integrity, and fortitude and to prepare recipients
to become mentors and character ambassadors. Applications are due by June 24, 2013, and must be submitted along
with two letters of recommendation, a short essay regarding the applicant's demonstration of character and a CITRS
Character Mini-Assessment. The awards are to be used for education and/or sports development.
The top male and female scholarship recipients will receive a $1,000 scholarship and the second place male and female will each receive a $500 scholarship. The awards will be presented to the recipients by WTT co-founder
and Philadelphia Freedoms owner Billie Jean King at a Freedoms home match in July at Villanova University.
Additionally, each award recipient and six other finalists will have the opportunity to participate in a 9-month
CITRS virtues training and character curriculum.
The 2013 Philadelphia Freedoms feature a super-charged roster including the Freedoms’ first pick in the 2013
Mylan World TeamTennis Marquee Draft, former world No. 2 and 2013 Australian Open semifinalist teen sensation
Sloane Stephens. The Freedoms will also welcome a superstar lineup of visiting players including former world No.
1 and 2003 US Open Champion Andy Roddick, the world's top-ranked doubles team Bob and Mike Bryan and
former world number one John McEnroe.
Freedoms 2013 individual tickets are available online exclusively through Ticketfly at freedomstix.ticketfly.com.
Fans can also purchase tickets directly through the Ticketfly "Buy Tickets" app at the top of the Freedoms’
Facebook page (
www.facebook.com/PhiladelphiaFreedoms). All seats are reserved. Freedoms 2013 season tickets
are also available. Season ticketholders enjoy the benefits of tickets to each of the seven Philadelphia Freedoms
home games, reserved parking, a separate, private entrance into the Pavilion at Villanova University, and more.
Further information about season tickets is available online at
www.philadelphiafreedoms.com or by phone at (215)
667-8132.
About The Hamlin Family Foundation and CITRS:
We believe character education is more necessary than ever in our society for success in sports, academics and life.
The objective of the updated format of the BJK Character Award is to honor the actions of those who have displayed
good character, integrity and fortitude in their lives, and prepare recipients to become mentors and character
ambassadors. This year, award recipients will have the opportunity to participate in a 9-month online character
development curriculum provided by CITRS. CITRS, Inc is a non-profit, non-sectarian, tax-exempt character
education company that develops and implements comprehensive character education programs for public, private
and charter schools as well as other education organizations primarily serving K-12 students. The Hamlin Family
Foundation provides support for educational and other charitable organizations. CITRS Stands for Character,
Integrity, Trust, Relationships and Success. To learn more about CITRS, please visit
www.citrs.org.
About Philadelphia Freedoms:
Mylan World TeamTennis (WTT) was co-founded by tennis legend Billie Jean King who is also owner of the
Philadelphia Freedoms. The Philadelphia Freedoms will play 14 matches during their 2013 regular season schedule,
including seven home matches this July at The Pavilion at Villanova University. The Freedoms are owned by Billie
Jean King and led by Head Coach Josh Cohen. 2013 team members include No. 2 ranked American player and
2013 Australian Open semifinalist Sloane Stephens who was the Freedoms’ first pick in the 2013 Mylan World
TeamTennis Marquee Draft, rising young American Jessica Pegula, seven career Grand Slam doubles titleholder
Liezel Huber, Samuel Groth who holds the record for fastest recorded serve in tennis history and Jordan Kerr, a fan
favorite returning for his second consecutive season with the Freedoms. Freedoms events feature world-class tennis in an innovative, fast-paced World TeamTennis coed team format. Each evening includes exciting family entertainment featuring USTA Quick Start Tennis, live music, mascots, kids’ games, prizes, food and much more.
The 2013 Philadelphia Freedoms are presented by Beneficial Bank and hosted by Cancer Treatment Centers of
America. Generous support is also provided by official sponsors 23K Studios, CBS-3/CW Philly, Color Reflections,
Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia - Valley Forge, Fast Signs of Delaware, Fidelity Investments, Fleming's Prime
Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Grimm & Grove Communications, Hamlin Family Foundation, Macy’s, Neumann
University Sport & Entertainment Management, RB Concepts, Sweet Street Desserts, Tableleaf Wine, USTA
Middle States and Yards Brewing Company.