Speaker Welch Congratulates Chicago Sky on First WNBA Title

WESTCHESTER, Ill. – House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch is thrilled to congratulate the Chicago Sky on a tremendous season and securing the team’s first WNBA Championship title.

“I am so incredibly proud of these women,” said Speaker Welch. “Not only for their performance on the court, but for the individuals they are off of it as well. These women are the role models our communities deserve and they make our city and our state so proud.”

The Sky defeated the Phoenix Mercury 80-74 in a comeback win in Game 4 on Sunday. The team was led by two “hometown heroes” Candace Parker of Naperville and Allie Quigley of Joliet. James Wade, the team’s coach and general manager, is the third Black head coach to win a WNBA title. With a 16-16 regular season record, the Sky were ranked No. 6 heading into playoffs which makes the team the lowest seed to win the championship since the WNBA transitioned into its current playoff format in 2016. 

Speaker Welch is proud to announce that the General Assembly will honor the Chicago Sky and the team’s historic achievement with a resolution next week during the final week of veto session.

“My family and I have had an absolute blast watching this team,” said Speaker Welch. “For both of my young children, but especially my young daughter, I can’t express how grateful I am to know they have these strong women leaders and role models to look up to.” 

Next Round of Back to Business Grants Awarded

Speaker Welch would also like to congratulate Beauty Gallery in Bellwood, Broadview Gourmet House in Broadview, Casual Canvas Creations in Broadview, Chicago West Management in Hillside, CD One Price Cleaners in Broadview, and Dolphin Promotions in Forest Part for applying and receiving Back to Business grants. 

The Back to Business (B2B) recovery program is intended to help businesses facing acute operation impacts due to COVID-19. For more information on the B2B program please visit DCEO’s website.