rewrite this content and keep HTML tags (remove this from content : rewrite this content and keep HTML tags)
On August 17, a statue honouring former Seattle Storm player and WNBA legend Sue Bird will be unveiled outside Climate Pledge Arena. She is now the first player in the WNBA to be honoured in this way by her team, the Seattle Storm. The reveal will take place before the team plays the Phoenix Mercury in what is called the “Forever Sue Game.”
Seattle Storm to unveil Sue Bird statue on August 17, marking historic first in WNBA history
A statue of WNBA legend Sue Bird will be unveiled by the Seattle Storm outside Climate Pledge Arena on the west plaza. A statue of legendary Seattle SuperSonics player Lenny Wilkens was previously unveiled at the same spot.
Sue Bird is a remarkable player (Image via Instagram / @sbird10)
The former WNBA player will be the first to have a statue dedicated to her in the league. As per People Magazine, Alisha Valavanis, the CEO and president of the Seattle Storm, said in a statement: “Sue’s legacy isn’t just written in championships — it’s woven into the fabric of Seattle… Her leadership transcended basketball and helped shape a cultural shift — one that expanded who gets to lead, who gets seen, and who gets celebrated.” She continued:“Today, as the first WNBA franchise to honor a player with a statue, we celebrate not just Sue’s illustrious career, but the future she helped pave for the next generation of athletes. This statue is more than a tribute. It’s a promise that what Sue stands for will keep rising, and young people, especially girls, will always see themselves in greatness.’Sue Bird will speak at the ceremony. Other speakers will be the representatives of the Seattle Storm front office and the city. According to ESPN, the icon released a statement following the announcement:“For over two decades, the city of Seattle supported me, both on and off the court. It’s because of this community that Seattle will forever hold a special place in my heart. This statue isn’t just for me, it’s for anyone out there hoping to one day pursue their passions and live out their dreams.. I’m thankful to the Storm and Seattle for this honor, and can’t wait to celebrate with my family, friends, and our amazing fans this August.”The idea behind giving a tribute to Sue Bird was proposed by Rotblatt Amrany Studios. Meanwhile, throughout her 21-season career, Sue Bird led the Seattle Storm to WNBA titles in 2004, 2010, 2018, and 2020. She also became a minority stakeholder of the company after retiring in the 2022 campaign.Also read: WNBA star Sue Bird believes that Caitlin Clark is the best solution to America’s huge problem
