Former NBA Players Demonstrate How Science And Skill Go Hand In Hand At USA Science & Engineering Festival

Theo Ratliff, Jerome Williams and Bernard Robinson Will Be Featured On Lockheed Martin Stage April 25-27

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Apr 24, 2014, 01:17 ET

BETHESDA, Md., April 24, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of its ongoing commitment to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] is pleased to feature three former National Basketball Association (NBA) players on its stage at the upcoming USA Science & Engineering Festival. Visitors to the Lockheed Martin stage will have three opportunities to learn how science and basketball are closely linked when the former professional players assess speed, flexibility, power and agility. Selected students will have an opportunity to interact directly with the players by participating in basketball drills while the players explain how science affects their actions.

Who:

Theo Ratliff is a former NBA All-Star who spent 16 years in the pros and was consistently ranked as one of the NBA's premier shot blockers. He played for the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia Sixers, San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Lakers. Since retiring from the game, Ratliff founded The Theo Ratliff Activity Center in Demopolis, Alabama to provide social and educational programs in the neighboring communities, including STEM programs for girls. In 2013, he announced the launch of The Theo Ratliff Foundation with a mission to educate, inspire and empower youth globally through financial literacy, education and leadership development. Ratliff has authored an anti-bullying book, "Theo The Hero" an educational tool for schools, parents and children.
Jerome Williams played in the NBA for nine years. During his time with the New York Knicks, he excelled as a starter and a rebounder. In 2000, Williams led the league in rebounding and was ranked third in offensive ratings. Service to the public has always been a priority for Williams. He has earned three NBA Community Awards, which recognize player contributions to community engagement, philanthropic activity and charity work. In 2011 he was named "Sports Ambassador" to the Toronto School District in 2011 for his work mentoring high school and college students.
Bernard Robinson had a stellar career as a college player at the University of Michigan and helped lead his team to a National Invitation Tournament (NIT) title in 2004. He then played two seasons in the NBA for the Charlotte Bobcats and two seasons for the New Jersey Nets before an injury led to his retirement from the game. After his retirement, Robinson began his own company, Confident-A-List Group, which focuses on creating better business solutions in different entrepreneurial sectors with a focus on sports. He is also aligned with Bell Management International and works to provide sound business advice to young athletes.

All three will demonstrate their support for STEM education at the USA Science & Engineering Festival this weekend.

When:	For the media: Friday, April 25 at 12:15 p.m.
	For general public and media: Saturday, April 26 at 10:00 a.m. and Sunday, April 27 at 10:00 a.m.

Where:	Lockheed Martin Stage
	2014 USA Science & Engineering Festival
	Walter E. Washington Convention Center
	801 Mount Vernon Place NW
	Washington D.C. 20001

Lockheed Martin is the founding and presenting sponsor of the 2014 USA Science & Engineering Festival. In addition to the stage, Lockheed Martin engineers and technologists will showcase awe-inspiring technologies and interactive, hands-on exhibits in the areas of advanced aeronautics, data analytics, scientific discovery, nanotechnology, robotics and energy.

More than 500,000 people participated in 2012 USA Science & Engineering Festival events. The two-day expo at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center draws students, parents and teachers as well as organizations and companies interested in investing in STEM education. To learn more about Lockheed Martin's involvement in the festival, as well as details on the exhibits, click here.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 113,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2013 were $45.4 billion.

For additional information, visit our website:
www.lockheedmartin.com/usasef

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