Governor Rell: UConn Victory Parade Set for April 19

Parade Set for 3 p.m.; Rally to Follow at Capitol

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the State of Connecticut and the City of Hartford will host a parade on Sunday, April 19, to congratulate and honor the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team for winning the 2009 NCAA National Basketball Championship.

            The 3 p.m. parade, which will take place near the Bushnell Park, Main Street and Capitol Avenue areas of the city, will begin and end at the State Capitol. A rally will take place on the north steps of the Capitol immediately following the parade.

            “The UConn women’s basketball team has a long tradition of success when it comes to the Big East and the NCAA National Championships,” Governor Rell said. “Husky fans rightly want to continue the state’s wonderful tradition of giving these young women and their coaches the recognition and admiration they truly deserve.

            “A parade in downtown Hartford is just one way to do just that – not only for the players, the coaches and the University, but for the thousands of fans of all ages who helped cheer them on to a perfect 39-0 season and a sixth NCAA Championship,” the Governor said. “Frankly, the people of Connecticut needed some good news and the undefeated women’s team provided it. Let’s return the favor by lining the parade route and showing them how much they really mean to us.”

            The UConn parade planning committee is coordinated by Governor Rell’s office, the Hartford Business Improvement District and the MetroHartford Alliance. The committee consists of representatives from the Office of the Governor, the State of Connecticut, the City of Hartford, the University of Connecticut, the Hartford Hospitality Task Force and civic organizations and businesses from throughout the Greater Hartford region.

            The parade is being made possible through generous donations from the City of Hartford, the state and a variety of civic organizations and area businesses. For parade sponsorship opportunities, contact Michael Zaleski at the Hartford Business Improvement District at (860) 728-2274.

            Additional parade details, including information about the parade route, traffic, parking, order of participants, media credentials and more will be announced as they become available.

            Governor Rell declared April 3-5 as “Husky Blue & White Weekend” in Connecticut. She also declared Wednesday, April 9, as “UConn Husky Women’s Basketball Team Day” in Connecticut and welcomed the team home when they arrived at Bradley International Airport on Wednesday.

            The UConn women’s basketball team won their sixth NCAA Basketball Championship on April 7 by beating the Louisville Cardinals in St. Louis. They finished the season undefeated and were the regular season champions of the Big East and the winners of the conference tournament championship.