HARTFORD, CONN. - Milwaukee Bucks forward Charlie Villanueva and Connecticut Sun forward Tamika Raymond joined President George W. Bush at the Northwest Boys & Girls Club in Hartford on Friday, April 25, in support of the first World Malaria Day.

President Bush launched the Presidential Malaria Initiative in 2005 to combat the disease in several African countries. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America have raised thousands of dollars in support of the president's program to help deliver bed nets to families and children in Africa.

President Bush proclaimed: "I'm also honored to be up here with Tamika Raymond, as well as Charlie Villanueva. They know something about the state of Connecticut because they were stars on their respective University of Connecticut Huskie basketball teams. They are professional athletes, one with the Milwaukee Bucks, and the other with the Connecticut Sun. But more importantly, they're using their presence on the court to be able to advance
important issues. And in my judgment, a great issue to advance is saving people's lives. And that's what we're here to celebrate today."

NBA Cares is a founding partner of Nothing But Nets, a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about malaria and delivering bednets to families in need to prevent and combat the deadly disease. Nothing But Nets has raised more than $18 million to provide life-saving bed nets to those in need.

For more information about NBA Cares support of Nothing But Nets and its fight against malaria, click here.