May 21, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) reacts after scoring against the Chicago Sky in the second half at Footprint Center.
Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 27 (Reuters) - Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner has received the season-long WNBA Cares Community Assist Award in part for her continued work in championing the safe return of wrongful detainees overseas, the league said on Friday.
Throughout the 2023 WNBA season, Griner, who was freed from a Russian penal colony in a high-profile prisoner exchange last year, worked with Bring Our Families Home, a campaign that helps spread awareness about wrongfully detained Americans.
"I know the opportunity, privilege and responsibility I have to make a difference in the lives of others, and I'll always remain committed to that," Griner said in a WNBA news release.
During the season, Griner and the Mercury also hosted families and friends of wrongful detainees at their games.
Persons:
Rick Scuteri, Griner, Viktor Bout, Frank Pingue, Ken Ferris
Organizations:
Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky, Footprint Center, Mercury, Griner, BG, Phoenix Rescue, National Basketball Association, Russia, Thomson
Locations:
Phoenix , Arizona, USA, Russian, Phoenix, Moscow, Ukraine, Toronto