AND 1 Star Waliyy "Main Event" Dixon is Expert Coach,
Public Enemy's Chuck D Co-Hosts
New York, NY: July 26, 2006 – sportskool teams up with Waliyy "Main Event" Dixon to boost On Demand television viewers onto the gritty ball courts of New York City for a serious lesson in playground basketball, otherwise known as "streetball." Learn how to break all the rules without destroying the integrity of the game with step-by-step instruction for all of Main Event's signature moves, including the windmill and the notorious 360 dunk. Streetball instruction launches on sportskool on August 1.
Intermediate to experienced streetballers can sharpen their skills and give their game the ultimate edge needed to become a legend on both the streets and on the court. Shot on location at Behagen Park in Bronx, New York, "Main Event" gives in-depth instruction on how to execute astonishing plays, dunks, passes and defense maneuvers.
"Introducing sports into a kid's life helps develop confidence and discipline," said Waliyy "Main Event" Dixon, "This is an amazing opportunity to help create a positive influence amongst today's youth through sports instruction."
Waliyy is an amazing talent and he brings a genuine passion for teaching his brand of streetball to sportskool, " said Daniel Ronayne, executive vice president and general manager of sportskool. We're proud to add Waliyy to sportskool's unparalleled roster of world class athletes including Mia Hamm, Bode Miller, Tony Gwynn and Bill Walton.
sportskool's Streetball series is anything but basic 101 lessons. The series' focus is on teaching experienced players to integrate stylistic interpretation to their game. The series will include segments on dunking, passing, scoring, dribbling drills and skills, and of course, how to make a name for yourself on the playground.
Each lesson begins with an introduction from the legendary lead rapper of Public Enemy, Chuck D, who takes viewers beyond the blacktop and chain link fences and into the culture of streetball with introductions to the music, the moves and the clothes that continue to evolve and define one of this generation's most popular sports.
Known as the "Mecca" of streetball, Holocombe Rucker Park, New York City's ultimate proving ground, became the birthplace of streetball in 1946 when a NYC Parks employee hosted a basketball tournament to give local kids something to do. Rapidly increasing in popularity, these amateur games soon gained credible recognition when NBA stars flocked to the court to see if they had the skills necessary to make it on the streets.
Currently competing in the 2006 And 1 Mixtape Tour, Waliyy "Main Event" Dixon, has managed to become one of the most credited streetballers in the game. Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Dixon began playing ball when he was 9 years old. Now at 6 foot-4-inches, Dixon is truly a force to be reckoned with and you can integrate all of his training, skills and signature moves into a unique style that's all your own only on sportskool.
About sportskool
Launched by Rainbow Media in 2004, sportskool is the first television network dedicated to delivering in-depth sports expert instruction and coaching for a wide range of sports and athletic activities. sportskool helps athletes of all ages take their game to the next level by offering guidance and insider tips from the world's best athletes. The network – featuring exclusive and original programming custom-built for On Demand television – boasts some of the most recognizable names in sports, including Mia Hamm, Bode Miller, Tony Gwynn, Bill Walton, Mike Vallely (Mike V.), tennis coach Brad Gilbert and renowned training and performance expert, Mark Verstegen. sportskool is currently available to over 20 million digital cable subscribers nationwide. For more information, visit www.sportskool.com.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media creates and manages some of the country's most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands including popular national and regional television channels AMC, fuse, The Independent Film Channel (IFC), WE tv, and three FSN affiliated regional sports networks managed by Rainbow Sports Networks. The company also manages Mag Rack and sportskool, two original on-demand networks; VOOM HD Networks, the largest and most diverse suite of high definition channels available anywhere; IFC Entertainment, its film distribution, production and exhibition division; Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales division; and Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company.