Orlando, FL – February 1, 2008 – NBA star Kobe Bryant will help the City of Orlando celebrate the achievements of middle-school “Oscar” academic honor students on February 7, 2008. The newly appointed After-School All-Stars Ambassador will address over one thousand Orlando middle-school students during an event at Amway Arena. Bryant will also be presented with a key to the city by Mayor Buddy Dyer and Commissioner Betty T. Wyman, newly elected President, CEO and Executive Director of ASAS Orlando, and will discuss the importance of after-school programs during a question and answer session with the students.

“After-school programming is a critical service that not only helps our children succeed in school, but in life,” said Kobe Bryant. “The Orlando chapter of After-School All-Stars is a great program that keeps kids safe and provides an environment where they can dream. It’s so important for our youth to feel supported, to feel like they have some place to go everyday where there are people who care about them and will guide them to do the right thing.”
 

WHO:	Kobe Bryant, After-School All-Stars Ambassador More than 1,000 Orlando After-School All-Star middle school students from the Orange County School District Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer Commissioner Betty T. Wyman (President, CEO & Executive Director, ASAS Orlando) Byron Brooks, CAO for City of Orlando Frank Billingsley, Economic Development Director for City of Orlando Ben Paul, President & CEO (ASAS National Office)
WHAT:	Kobe Bryant greeting over a thousand students from seven Orlando middle schools and recreational centers to present awards to “Oscar” honor students. The NBA star will also receive a key to the city from the mayor of Orlando and participate in a question and answer session with the students.
WHEN:	Thursday, February 7, 5:30 -6:30 p.m.
WHERE:	Amway Arena 600 West Amelia Street Orlando, FL 32801-1113
WHY:	Statistics show that participants in quality after-school programs have better school attendance rates, stronger school performance, higher graduation rates, higher aspirations and greater self-esteem. “It is truly a privilege to be part of the After-School All-Stars. In addition to critical academic support, we provide enriching activities these kids would otherwise not have access to, such as field trips, digital media opportunities, horseback riding, golf, tennis and sailing, just to name a few. These activities teach them invaluable life skills that will help them on social, physical and emotional levels,” said Commissioner Wyman, President, CEO and Executive Director of ASAS Orlando. Kobe Bryant will return to Amway Arena the following evening with the rest of the LA Lakers to team up against the Orlando Magic on Friday, February 8, 2008.