The Women's Final Four honors the top teams and players in college basketball each year. But the celebration in Tampa is much more than a banquet dinner and a few competitive games. Instead, it is an entire weekend of jubilation and hoopla--not just designed for the student-athletes and coaches, but also aimed to pump up the fans and engage the surrounding communities.

Being a true rookie at the Women's Final Four, I was flabbergasted at the fabulous display of festivities and events that shaped Saturday. There were no excuses for boredom or for not getting a little tan!

Kicking off the day was the 4Kay Run, honoring North Carolina State Head Coach Kay Yow, who is currently battling breast cancer. Each participant contributed $25 via registration to support the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer fund. ESPN and WBNA analyst Debbie Antonelli opened the race with a thank you to all of the 800 runners and walkers who came out for the morning. Sue Donohoe, NCAA Vice President of Division I Women's Basketball expressed gratitude to The Hartford, which generously sponsored the event, and introduced the woman of the hour, Kay Yow. While on stage, Yow was presented with donation check of $18,548.70. Also, a special addition to the presentation, artist Kristy Osterman presented a portrait of Coach Yow and dedicated it to her forever-giving heart and everlasting spirit. Many of the participants were attired in pink to support the "Think Pink" breast cancer cause. Hear more about the significance of the race from winner Jen Gwin, Assistant Coach at St. Francis University, Pennsylvania, on this podcast.

Bounce by the Bay, an event for kids 6-16, was jumpstarted with performances from UCONN's, Stanford's and Tennessee's bands, cheerleaders and mascots, as well as local high school bands and drumlines. Each participant received a basketball to dribble their way through the streets of downtown Tampa.

After showing their basketball pride by dribbling around the streets of Tampa, many of the participants headed over to NCAA Hoop City. Fans of all ages can enjoy games, contests and competitions of all kinds. State Farm sponsored an exhibit where fans can compete in Xbox and racecar driving challenges. AT&T showcased a text-messaging contest, as well as an opportunity to be a true sports TV anchor for the Women's Basketball National Championship. Pontiac offered a drawing for a free G8, and The Hartford offered the kids a chance to experience the game of wheelchair basketball. The NCAA also gave out prizes to every kid who completed a multi-sport challenge, including volleyball, golf, softball and soccer. Basketball courts also adorn the NCAA Hoop City event for 3-on-3 competitions throughout the weekend.

Another happening on Saturday was the NCAA YES Clinics, sponsored by Powerade. Elite coaches from across the country conduct these clinics for local youth, instructing kids on technique, life skills and sportsmanship. At the Convention Center, Special Olympic participants took the court and relished the chance to get expert shooting and passing advice from some of college basketball's most renowned coaches.

Outside of St. Pete Times Forum, the NCAA and Lowe's sponsored a Women's Final Four Habitat for Humanity Build. About 40 volunteers spent the day framing a house for future homeowner Lenetta Summers and her family. Volunteers from Hillsborough County and Final Four Fans worked throughout the day to complete the frame. Listen to a podcast from Lenetta to hear about her evacuation from Hurricane Katrina and the meaning of finally having a place to call home.

Other events today included Super Saturday Team Practices and AT&T Autograph Sessions, Open Practices for each team and the WBCA High School All-America Game.