Registration for the third annual Greater Vernon Alumni Basketball Tournament, Dec. 26-27, at the VSS Panther Pit, is now open.
The event brings together alumni over the holidays and raises funds for local athletics.
Alumni (men and women) from all school district #22 high schools, Pleasant Valley, Salmon Arm Secondary and George Elliot High School in Lake Country can now sign up as a team or an individual player.
Last year, the two-day tournament raised nearly $4,500 that was donated to high school athletics, a scholarship, and the Vernon Jubilee Hospital.
It featured a 12-team men’s tournament, three-team women’s mini-tournament, and Vernon Mayor Akbal Mund versus Vernon School District superintendent Joe Rogers in a shootout for charity.
This year, organizers have set an ambitious goal to bring their fundraising total to $10,000, of which 100 per cent is given given back to the community.
Their plan is to continue to contribute to local high school’s athletics programs and increase the amount awarded in scholarships to student-athletes.
“We welcome teams and players of all skill levels,” said tournament founder Jeff Samuel.
“This year, we will have both a competitive and fun division. So even if this is the only time you’ll touch a basketball all year, it’s more about getting together with old friends and giving back to our community.”
Fans also have a chance to get in on the action with Vernon Subway serving up some big-time support.
Tickets will be sold and one will be drawn at random for one lucky fan to participate in Subway’s Half-Court Shot for $5,000.
“We are really excited to be part of and to help grow this initiative” said Subway owner Gurjit Jhajj.
“Someone is going to have a shot at winning some serious cash. But what is most important to us, is that the money raised and given out as scholarships will help local youth to attain higher education.
“Every bit of financial support towards post-secondary education makes a real and significant impact in helping students achieve their educational goals.”
Added Samuel: “We are so grateful to the local companies that support our tournament by helping cover expenses or through in-kind donations for our silent auction.
“I’m always floored at how generous our local businesses are; it makes me so proud to be part of this community.”
Samuel said organization has just gotten under way, and already Concept Physiotherapy, Kal Tire, Lake City Law, Spallumcheen Golf Course, Arise Chiropractic, Andres Electronics, and Marten’s Brew Pub have all jumped on board.
Anyone interested in playing should act fast because space is limited.
You can register online at alumnibasketball.ca.
For more information, or if you would like to contribute to this cause, contact vernonalumnibasketball@gmail.com.