ATLANTA (November 24, 2008) — The Atlanta Hawks and United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta have teamed up to bring you the first Atlanta Hawks Youth Poetry Slam, in celebration of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. The contest is open to all metro area high school students. The theme of the contest centers around United Way’s new brand, LIVE UNITED, which encourages students to write about how they can work together to create a better world.

Students are asked to submit typed entries of no more than 200 words, along with completed application materials to the Hawks by December 5, 2008. A panel of judges will select 15 finalists, who will have the opportunity to attend a poetry workshop conducted by Joyce Littel, of V-103. Finalists will then be judged on their performances and three winners will be selected.

One Grand Prize winner will have the opportunity to perform their verses to the Philips Arena crowd at halftime of the Hawks’ annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday game against the Toronto Raptors on January 19, 2009 ( 2 p.m. tip-off). The winner will also receive four tickets to the game and an autographed Hawks jersey. Discounted tickets are also available for purchase using promo code LIVEUNITED.

Official rules and application forms are available in the Community Section of www.hawks.com. Submissions should be faxed to (404) 878-3480 or mailed to:

Atlanta Hawks
Attn: Poetry Slam Contest
101 Marietta St.
Suite 1900
Atlanta, GA 30303

Click here for discounted tickets for the Hawks game on MLK Day, or visit unitedwayatlanta.org. Make sure to enter the promo code LIVEUNITED to get your discount.

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About United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta — For more than a century, United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta has continued to mobilize people in our community to help tackle the issues that are too big for anyone to solve alone. What makes United Way unique is how it helps our community work together to make lasting impact on tough community problems that take all of us to solve. Last year, United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta invested more than $110 million in the community through programs and services that make a measurable impact on ending chronic homelessness, ensuring children start school ready to succeed, and other key regional issues. To find or give help, dial 2-1-1 or visit us online at unitedwayatlanta.org.

The Atlanta Hawks — Atlanta Hawks 2008-09 season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting ww.hawks.com or calling 1-866-715-1500. The Hawks, a member of the National Basketball Association since 1949, play in the Southeast Division, along with the Charlotte Bobcats, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards. www.hawks.com