Speedy Basketball Star Leandro Barbosa Shoots for Three to Support Valle del Sol

When it comes to speed, Phoenix Suns star Leandro Barbosa knows how to beat the clock. Whether he’s racing down the court or downloading the latest HD movie, speed and reliability drive this basketball star known as the "Brazilian Blur.” Now he’s showing his passion for speed and reliability by partnering with Qwest (NYSE:Q) for a good cause and to keep in touch with fans.

For every three-point shot Barbosa makes during the NBA season, Qwest will donate $100 to Valle del Sol, up to $10,000. Valle del Sol, one of Arizona’s largest non-profit, community-based organizations, provides individuals with counseling, substance abuse treatment, support services and leadership development programs.

"Speed is what drives my success on the court and helps me excel at my game,” said Barbosa. "That’s why I’m proud to again be teaming up with Qwest, the company I depend on to power my high-speed systems at home and to stay connected on the road. It’s an especially rewarding partnership because together we’re helping support Valle del Sol’s important work for those in need.”

High-Speed Fun for Fans

In addition to the three-point program, Barbosa will give fans a behind the scenes look at his experiences on and off the court at the NBA Suns’ official fan Web site Planet Orange. Qwest High-Speed Internet keeps Barbosa in touch with his fans online, where he chronicles his life as an NBA star. Qwest is also a sponsor of the Suns locker room Web site, where fans can interact with Qwest products and services and get a glimpse behind the scenes with the Phoenix Suns.

"Leandro isn't just an international, all-star basketball player, he's an upstanding, respected member of our community - anyone who has met him knows this is true,” said Jim Campbell, Arizona State President for Qwest. "We partnered with him because he exemplifies Qwest’s core values of supporting and investing in our communities. We are honored to have him associated with Qwest."

Look for Barbosa throughout the year, as he makes special appearances at cultural, retail and community events, chats with fans and demonstrates the latest in Qwest high-speed technology.

About Qwest

Customers coast to coast turn to Qwest's industry-leading national fiber-optic network and world-class customer service to meet their communications and entertainment needs. For residential customers, Qwest offers a new generation of fiber-optic Internet service, high-speed internet solutions, as well as home phone, Verizon Wireless, and DIRECTV® services. Qwest is also the choice of 95 percent of Fortune 500 companies, offering a full suite of network, data and voice services for small businesses, large businesses, government agencies and wholesale customers. Additionally, Qwest participates in Networx, the largest communications services contract in the world, and is recognized as a leader in the network services market by a leading technology industry analyst firm.

The marks that comprise the Qwest logo are registered trademarks of Qwest Communications International Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries.

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