American Indian Recognition Day Basketball Games Showcase New Uniforms
MESA, Ariz. -- Nov. 14, 2018 – Mesa Community College’s Sixth Annual American Indian Recognition Day basketball games, Dec. 1, 2018, will be the big reveal for the Thunderbird N7 uniforms. MCC was accepted as the first two-year college in the nation to participate in the Nike initiative celebrating Native American Heritage Month. The N7 uniforms are turquoise with red, representing harmony, fellowship and friendship.
The N7 Nike brand is aimed at inspiring and enabling Native American and Aboriginal youth in North America to participate in sports and be active, while being mindful of the founding document of the Iroquois Confederacy, the oldest living participatory democracy on Earth, based on an ancient Iroquois philosophy that, “In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.”
“It started with schools wanting to work together with Nike N7 to celebrate Native American Heritage Month," says Sam McCracken, general manager of Nike N7. “It gives them an opportunity to celebrate and support their local tribal communities, to which each program has a distinct, unique connection. The integration of the turquoise uniform is something that makes the opportunity special for their players and their fans.”
Sam Stevens (Navajo), a long-time women’s basketball assistant coach and program advisor in the MCC American Indian Institute, initiated the Recognition Games in 2013 to highlight, during Indigenous Nations Month, the college’s commitment to Native American recruitment and education through sports. The games are sponsored by the MCC American Indian Institute (AII), Thunderbird Athletics, Student Life and the Associated Students of Mesa Community College (ASMCC).
This season (2018-19), MCC women’s basketball signed the following five players representing tribal nations from across the country [as pictured left to right]: Lynnae Mitchell (Navajo), Jacey Salabiye (Navajo), Madison Chesarek (Crow Nation/Three Affiliated Tribes), Iris Domebo (Coeur d’Alene/Kiowa/Nez Perce) and Cheyenne Begay (Navajo).
Both men's and women's teams at MCC will don Nike N7 uniforms on Dec. 1, 2018 in their 3rd conference game of the season vs the Phoenix College Bears in the Theo Heap Gymnasium at 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa. A newly remodeled trophy case located in the gym lobby showcases the jerseys and provides information about the Nike N7 initiative. Tip off for the women’s game is 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. for the men.
The game will be live streamed at: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/mcc/
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Contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892
About N7 Fund: Nike believes kids aren’t meant to sit still, they’re Made to Play. The N7 collection supports Nike’s commitment to get kids moving through the N7 Fund, which supports organizations to provide sport and physical activity programming to kids in Native American and Aboriginal communities so that they can lead healthier, happier and more successful lives. Since its inception in 2009, the N7 Fund has awarded $5.6 million in grants to 243 communities and organizations, reaching more than 420,000 youth. Harnessing the power of sport as a unifying force, the N7 Fund helps kids reach their greatest potential and reflects Nike’s belief in creating more equal playing fields for everyone.
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for service-learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to 30,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 195 degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC is an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution with a diverse student body that enriches the learning experience. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and globally. MCC, located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the 10 colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. For additional information visit mesacc.edu.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association (NCA) http://www.ncahlc.org
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District.
The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination