During a press conference with local leaders, Comets guard Mwadi Mabika, a Congo native, spoke about her experience with the disease and challenged the children of Houston to contribute to the goal of one million hits to the Web site.
The Houston Comets along with the city of Houston's Mayor Pro-Tem Adrian Garcia; Ada Edwards, Deputy Chief of Staff for Neighborhoods; Children's Museum of Houston; United Methodist Church, and ExxonMobil Foundation announced plans for localized efforts to raise awareness in the community for the United Nations Foundation's Nothing But Nets campaign, a global, grassroots effort to prevent malaria in Africa.
Inspired by Sports Illustrated columnist Rick Reilly, tens of thousands of people have joined the Campaign that was created by the United Nations Foundation in 2006. Donations can be made via www.NothingButNets.net/Houston.
Signed as a free agent by the Comets on February 20, 2008, Mabika spent the first 11 years of her WNBA career as a starter for the Los Angeles Sparks, contributing to that team's championships in 2001 and 2002. A two-time WNBA All-Star, Mabika holds career totals of 3,480 points, 1,290 rebounds and 761 assists. She was signed by the WNBA and assigned to Los Angeles on May 22, 1997. Mabika came to the United States by way of a personal appeal made to Zaire's government officials by compatriot and NBA star Dikembe Mutombo and his brother Tshitingo.
The Houston Comets tip-off their 2008 home opener against the Minnesota Lynx in Reliant Arena on May 27 at 7:30 pm. For ticket information, please call 713-627-WNBA. Individual tickets for the 2008 Houston Comets season are on sale now at www.houstoncomets.com and Ticketmaster outlets.
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