ATLANTA, Feb. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- For the seventh year in a row, AutoTrader.com has partnered with Turner Sports and the NBA to turn a fantasy basketball game into a life-changing moment for a family in need.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130214/CL60747-a ) 
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130214/CL60747-b )

During the regular NBA basketball season, Turner Sports broadcasters Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley competed against each other in the AutoTrader.com All-Star Drive fantasy basketball challenge, with the winner receiving a donation of a new vehicle to the charity of his choice, courtesy of AutoTrader.com. This year's winner was Ernie Johnson, who was playing to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

In the weeks leading up to NBA All-Star, the Houston chapter of the MDA selected a deserving local family to be the recipient of the vehicle. Johnson and AutoTrader.com advertising consultant Belinda Radjenovic presented Amy and Brian Ozbirn with the gift of a new 2013 Kia Sedona, sourced from Houston dealer Gay Family Kia. Prior to receiving this gift, the Ozbirns had no means of transportation for their sons, 13-year-old Joshua Riley and 17-year-old Austin Riley, who both have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

"My son Michael has muscular dystrophy, so I'm grateful to be able to support this cause and help draw attention to the important work being done by the Muscular Dystrophy Association," Johnson shared. "It was an emotional moment and a privilege for me to be able to present this gift to this deserving family. Many thanks to AutoTrader.com for making this possible."

This activity is a core component of AutoTrader.com's longstanding partnership with Turner Sports and the NBA.

"This program has always held special meaning for us, as giving back to the community is one of our most important company values," said Clark Wood, CMO, AutoTrader Group. "We're pleased to make this donation and wish Amy, Brian, Joshua and Austin all the best with their new Kia vehicle."

About AutoTrader.com
Created in 1997, Atlanta-based AutoTrader.com is the Internet's ultimate automotive marketplace. As a leading resource for car shoppers and sellers, AutoTrader.com aggregates millions of new, used and certified pre-owned cars from thousands of dealers and private sellers and provides expert articles and reviews. AutoTrader.com, which also operates the AutoTraderClassics.com auto marketing brand, is wholly owned by AutoTrader Group. Additionally, AutoTrader Group owns Kelley Blue Book (KBB.com) as well as three other companies that provide a full suite of software tools that help dealers and manufacturers manage their inventory and advertising online: vAuto, HomeNet Automotive and VinSolutions.  AutoTrader Group is a majority-owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. Providence Equity Partners is a 25 percent owner of the company and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers is also an investor. For more information, please visit press.autotrader.com.

About Turner Sports
Turner Sports, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., is an industry leader in televised and multimedia sports content, airing championship-level sporting events on TBS, TNT and truTV, and managing some of the most popular digital sports brands. Turner Sports' television lineup includes the NBA, Major League Baseball, the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship, NASCAR and professional golf. The company's digital portfolio includes Bleacher Report, NCAA.com and March Madness Live, and PGA.com, as well as an accompanying collection of mobile websites and connected device apps. Turner Sports and the NBA also jointly manage NBA Digital, which includes NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA LEAGUE PASS, NBA Mobile, the NBA Game Time App, NBADLEAGUE.com and WNBA.com.

SOURCE AutoTrader.com