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While Sylvia Fowles was sitting out the 2015 season waiting for a trade to the Minnesota Lynx, the 2017 WNBA MVP spent a lot of time cycling. It was a chance for her to stay in shape and keep her mind focused on other things besides basketball.

Now she's giving others a chance to ride, donating a portion of her $15,000 MVP bonus to Cycles for Change. It's a local organization that gives girls access to bicycles.

"I definitely love kids and it's hard to keep them entertained," Fowles said in a phone interview with The Associated Press on Thursday night. "It's more important than ever for people to use their platform for good and I have always wanted to find a way to share my love of cycling with others. Really, I wanted to say thank you."

Cycles for Change works to support low-income youth and youth of color in riding bikes as a way of living healthy lifestyles in Minnesota.

"I picked up cycling when I was older, didn't do it much as a kid," Fowles said. "It's a great way for me to release a lot of my stress."

The donation by Fowles will get the girls a new bike, a lock and helmet. It will also educate them on bike safety and maintenance. Kids in the program will take a group ride with Fowles, as well.

"Safety is always important, and I think this will be a great way for the kids to relieve some of their stresses," the AP Player of the Year said.

Fowles is focusing on the upcoming WNBA Finals that begin Sunday. The Lynx 

 in a rematch of last season's thrilling championship series.

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The Associated Press

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"It's more important than ever for people to use their platform for good and I have always wanted to find a way to share my love of cycling with others," said the 2017 WNBA MVP.

Sylvia Fowles jumps as she tries to catch the basketball.

Fowles donates some of MVP bonus to provide bikes to girls

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