Sports

Mystics, Inova Promote Partnership, Show Off New Uniforms

Sports entertainment leaders Sheila Johnson and Ted Leonsis joined the team in Loudoun for the announcement.

Member of the Washington Mystics unveiled the team’s new uniforms and a partnership with Inova Health System during a ceremony at Inova Loudoun Hospital Thursday.  The partnership is intended to highlight the fight against childhood obesity and raise awareness about women’s health issues and cardiac disease.

Mystics President and Managing Partner Sheila Johnson joined Mystics players Crystal Langhorne and Alana Beard, members of the Inova’s Board of Directors and Loudoun County Chairman Scott K. York (I-At Large) on stage for the announcement as Mystics majority owner and CEO Ted Leonsis watched from the front row.

“This is my proudest moment in sports entertainment history,” Johnson said, adding that she looked forward to working with Inova to fight childhood obesity. “We want to help bring awareness to its impact.”

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Inova has hospitals all over Northern Virginia, but Johnson, the vice chairman of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, noted in particular her connection to Loudoun, where she operates the Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, and where the team chose to make the announcement.

“This is where I do business and I’m proud to be here,” she said. “The Washington Mystics are deeply committed to the community and I mean deeply committed.”

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Inova board member and nurse leader for Inova Loudoun Janell Hoffman said the Mystics would help bring awareness to Inova’s “personalized approach” to health care, combining genetics and the latest technology.

“Inova is on the verge of a new era in medicine,” she said. “This is an incredible moment in our history. It’s a winning lineup and a team I’m so proud to be a part of.”

Inova President and COO Mark Strauder said that while the hospital would take advantage of advances in medicine, members of the Mystics would serve as examples of good health.

“As partners, The Washington Mystics serve as role models, demonstrating to fans through professional sports what can be achieved when health is taken seriously and personally, influencing adults and children alike to adopt a health game plan,” Strauder said.

Johnson will deliver the keynote address during an anti-obesity summit at George Mason University in Fairfax on April 29 and highlight the new partnership. Inova will sponsor the Mystics School Day Game on May 26, which will be first time the team wears the new uniforms. The uniforms display the Inova logo.

The Mystics’ season kicks off June 4 on the road against the Connecticut Sun at 7 p.m. The home opener follows at 7 p.m. June 11 at the Verizon Center against the Chicago Sky. Purchase tickets by phone at 1-877-DC-HOOP1 or online at www.washingtonmystics.com. Season and group tickets are available now, while individual tickets go on sale Monday, April 11.


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