Many thanks to the 400+ estimated players and fans who came to the Duckworth Centre at the University of Winnipeg last night. They saw two exciting games and contributed to the betterment of inner city kids and heart research at St Boniface Hospital as well. Over 150 inner city kids were given a meal, a souvenir Hoops From The Heart T-shirt and a basketball autographed by one of the outstanding University players who entertained us during the evening. The men’s game went down right to the last second before the U of M/U of W combined team could finally claim a victory and the University of Winnipeg won and exciting game in the women’s match immediately afterwards.
Even the young players coming in from the high school ranks had their shining moments and certainly looked comfortable with the established University stars. The kids got caught up in the action due to the silver tongue of Announcer Steve Tackie and the kids got caught up in autograph fever as they had their T-shirts signed by the players throughout the games. An autographed Steve Nash ball and jersey was raffled off to two lucky fans (see photo of one of them). Many thanks to the HFTH Organization Committee of Linda Beaudry, Tyson Jones, Grant Richter, Chino Argueta, Gail Pierce, Randy Viray and Dennis Bayomi who made the 2012 version of Hoops From The Heart a reality. Thanks to the coaches and to all of the players who put their sweat and hard work out there for all to see and did we ever enjoy it! Thanks to the referees for contributing their time (and not a single boo was heard!). Our sponsors came through once again: Safeway, Larry Vickar Chevrolet, Star Building Supplies, Myers Norris Penny, Basketball Manitoba, Club St B, Los Chicos Mexican Restaurant, Randy Viray Financial Services, Manitoba Association of Basketball Officials, and the U of W and the U of M. All contributed and made this the spectacular event it was! The inner city kids were the recipients of their generous contributions as is Basketballs Fro Inner City Kids and heart research at St Boniface Hospital. Hope you enjoyed it and see you in 2013!
See the event photos on Facebook... 