Orlando, Fla. – Dwight Howard was named the Aleve ‘Hustle Player of the Year’ at halftime of the Orlando Magic’s regular season finale Wednesday evening against the Washington Wizards. At the conclusion of every Magic home game this year, one player from the squad was awarded the distinction of the Aleve ‘Hustle Player of the Game,’ and Howard earned the yearly recognition after receiving the honor more than any other Magic player this season.

Aleve presented the award to Howard based on his constant commitment to playing every game with more excitement than the last. The Aleve ‘Hustle Player of the Game’ was given out on an individual basis to the player with the most heart and endurance in that evening’s competition. Howard accepted the award from Aleve with Larry Bond from Bayer Healthcare. In honor of Howard’s accomplishments, Aleve is giving away 10 scholarships for the Orlando Magic youth summer basketball to randomly-selected members of the Orlando Magic Kid’s Club.

For more information regarding Aleve, please visit their web site at www.aleve.com.

About The Orlando Magic
Orlando’s NBA franchise since 1989, the Magic’s mission is to be world champions on and off the court, delivering legendary moments every step of the way. On the court, Orlando has won three division championships (1995, 1996, 2008), had four 50-plus win seasons and won the Eastern Conference title in 1995. Off the court, on an annual basis the Orlando Magic gives more than $2 million to the local community by way of sponsorships of events, donated tickets, autographed merchandise, scholarships and grants. Orlando Magic community relations programs impact an estimated 75,000 kids each year, while a Magic staff-wide initiative provides more than 4,000 volunteer hours annually. In addition, over the last 19 years nearly $14 million has been distributed to local non-profit community organizations via The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF) that serve at risk and disadvantaged youth. Ticket highlights for 2008-09 include: 7,569 seats priced $25 or under per game, a $27 lower bowl ticket and tickets priced at $10 per game. For ticket information log on to orlandomagic.com or call 407-89-MAGIC.

Through the National Basketball Association’s NBA CARES program, the league, players and teams will raise and contribute $100 million for charity, donate more than 1 million hours of hands-on volunteer service to communities worldwide, and build more than 100 places where kids can learn and play over the next five years.

The Orlando Magic is also the developer of the new downtown Events Center which will compete to host major national events, concerts and family shows. Opening in October 2010, the facility will be operated by the City of Orlando and owned by the Central Florida Community.