APS Assembles Championship Team to Support Arizona Youth; First-of-its-kind Program Poised to Energize Character Education.

PHOENIX -- In the first program of its kind in the country, APS is teaming up with the local teams from all five major pro sports leagues to help make life a little brighter for students throughout the state. The new program, known as Power Players, is a comprehensive community-based program designed to champion character education in Arizona.

The historic partnership -- which includes APS, the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Coyotes and Arizona Diamondbacks, along with the Arizona Character Education Foundation -- will conduct events throughout the year supporting the character education initiatives of the Arizona Department of Education.

"APS has a long history of partnering with Arizona's professional sports teams," said Jack Davis, CEO and President of APS. "But the relationships have never been about having our name on an arena. For us, it's been about investing in the state's economy and improving the communities in which our customers and employees work and live."

Through sports clinics and school assemblies aimed at middle school and junior high school students, the state's largest electric utility and its partners will reinforce the importance of positive character traits and ethical behavior. In particular, the Power Players will promote the basic principles of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

"In our schools, character education programs are working," said Tom Horne, Superintendent of Public Instruction. "We are seeing improvements in school climate, a decrease in disciplinary referrals, improvements in academic performance and attendance, sportsmanship in athletics and an increase in the level of respect amongst children."

APS is working hand-in-hand with the Arizona Department of Education's Character Education Foundation to establish the character-building curriculum for the unique program.

"APS already demonstrated their commitment to character education in Arizona as a sponsor of the Arizona Character Education Foundation," said Tammy Linn, ACEF Director. "But now, they have really stepped up to the plate by assembling this extraordinary team and initiating this innovative program. Power Players will help our organization reach kids beyond the regular school setting through extracurricular activities such as athletics."

As part of the new program, APS and the sports franchises also will provide development or improvement of select athletic facilities statewide. This year alone, at least five youth athletic fields and courts will be renovated or built. Power Players is poised to develop or improve even more athletic facilities in the years ahead as the program gains momentum.

"Investing in this unique educational outreach program makes perfect sense and underscores APS' ongoing commitment to the community and to programs that benefit Arizona's children," said Davis. "With their long histories of community involvement, a program designed to help build better students and exceptional citizens is a perfect fit for our partners as well."

Phoenix is one of only a handful of metropolitan areas with franchises in all five major professional sports leagues - the NBA and WNBA, NFL, NHL and MLB - making this program even more distinctive.

About APS

APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electric utility, serves more than 966,300 customers in 11 of the state's 15 counties. APS, with headquarters in Phoenix, is the largest subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE: PNW).

PARTICIPANT QUOTES

    "As professional athletes, we have the opportunity to teach
children strong character values, and the importance of practicing
these values every day. The Power Players program will allow us to
work directly with students on instilling basic principles of
character."

    Dan Majerle, former Suns player and current Suns broadcaster


    "I'm proud to say that this program will be inclusive. The
program's messages transcend gender, race, religion and personal
beliefs."

    Kayte Christensen, Mercury player


    "For youngsters to have a program like this available to them is
so important because of the values they instill. I strongly believe
programs like this one develop positive character traits and establish
a solid foundation that benefits you the rest of your life, no matter
what career path you follow."

    John Navarre, Cardinals quarterback


    "The Coyotes thank APS for their innovative leadership in putting
together Power Players and for bringing together all the professional
sports teams in the Valley for this great initiative."

    Doug Moss, Coyotes President


    "Through Power Players, we have an opportunity to reach students
who are looking for guidance in life and in sports."

    Mark Grace, former Diamondbacks player and current broadcaster


    "Power Players will help our organization reach kids beyond the
regular school setting through extracurricular activities such as
athletics."

    Tammy Linn, ACEF President