Super-Fan Has Distributed Thousands of Valkyries Bracelets
As the team enters Wednesday's Game 2, one fan has handed out 20,000 bracelets to supporters at Chase Center.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Basketball
Sixty-eight-year-old Cynthia Cheak has become a fixture at Chase Center, walking the arena in glittery team colors to pass out handmade bracelets to Golden State Valkyries fans. The initiative began in June 2026 as she sought a new purpose following a series of health challenges.
Why it matters
Cheak, who underwent 11 surgeries following a 2020 knee replacement and subsequent infection, uses her bracelet distribution as a way to offer encouragement and connect with the broader fan community. Her story highlights the personal resilience and community-building often found among the team's growing local fanbase.
Cynthia Cheak has distributed 20,000 bracelets since June 2026, including 8,000 specifically for the playoffs. The Valkyries currently hold a 1-0 lead in the WNBA semifinals heading into Game 2.
The players
Cynthia Cheak
A 68-year-old fan and advocate for the amputee community who has become known for distributing thousands of handmade bracelets at Valkyries games.
Golden State Valkyries
San Francisco's professional basketball team currently competing in the WNBA semifinals.
Las Vegas Aces
The opponent facing the Golden State Valkyries in the current WNBA semifinals series.
The details
Cheak makes her way through the Chase Center during games, dressed in glittery clothing that matches the team colors to engage with fellow fans. The effort grew significantly after the Valkyries clinched their playoff berth on August 17, 2026, with Cheak starting her playoff-themed distributions two days later. Beyond her game-day activity, she maintains a routine of strength training three days per week and works with dementia patients.
Timeline
2020: Cheak underwent knee replacement surgery.
June 2026: Cheak began distributing bracelets to fans.
August 17, 2026: The Valkyries clinched a playoff berth.
August 19, 2026: Cheak began handing out playoff-themed bracelets.
Wednesday: The Valkyries play Game 2 against the Aces.
Across the Bay
This grassroots fan engagement at the Chase Center mirrors the enthusiasm surrounding the 2026 WNBA playoffs that has taken hold across the region. It follows the team's successful clinch of a playoff berth on August 17, 2026.
If you are attending the Valkyries' playoff game at the Chase Center on Wednesday, keep an eye out for Cheak in the arena. Her efforts reflect the localized energy currently surrounding the team's semifinal series against the Aces.
The takeaway
Cheak's story serves as a reminder of how individual fans shape the atmosphere of San Francisco's professional sports venues. Watch for her during Wednesday's game as the Valkyries continue their series against the Aces.
Further reading
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