Local Youth Benefits from Kay Yow Camp

For Immediate Release

Contact: Renee Whitener, Director of Public Relations, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation, (828) 758-2383 ext. 3213; Pager:1-800-471-1323; or E-mail: Renee Whitener

West Jefferson, North Carolina (October 5, 2005) – Mallary Clay of Blue Ridge Elementary School was awarded a Kay Yow Basketball Camp Scholarship from Blue RidgeElectric Membership Corporation. Mallary is the daughter of Dr. Hank and Bessie Clay of Lansing.

Mallary was selected as one of the scholarship recipients as a result of her excellent application and essay on “Why I Want To Attend Kay Yow Basketball Camp.” Across the state, 38 young women were chosen by electric cooperatives to attend this nationally known basketball camp in Raleigh held this summer.

“We are thrilled to give out one of the thirty-eight Kay Yow Basketball Camp scholarships to young women from across the state” said Gwynita Steele, Blue Ridge Electric District Manager in Ashe County.

When asked why she wanted to attend the camp Mallary shot back a quick answer: “Why? Is that even a question? It’s Kay Yow! No explanation needed. I want to soak up 34 years of experience in four days of Kay Yow’s camp that turns women into players, into better players, into coaches.” In addition to a love of basketball, Mallary also enjoys school and has received several awards in writing, reading, math and science while still finding time to play soccer, take banjo classes and be involved in the community.

The staff of the Kay Yow Camp, including Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Kay Yow and current N.C. State Women’s basketball players, will work closely with each camper to help develop her fundamental skills. Individual and team competition will provide opportunities to challenge young athletes to perform and to excel, both on and off the court. For more information on the camp itself, please visit www.kayyowcamps.com.

The Kay Yow Basketball Camp Scholarship program is part of the electric cooperatives ongoing commitment to North Carolina communities.

Blue Ridge Electric is a member-owned utility serving some 68,000 members in northwest North Carolina. It is affiliated with Touchstone Energy, a national alliance of member-owned electric cooperatives with high standards of service to residential, commercial and business consumers.