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February 29, 2008
BETHLEHEM, PA – The Via All-Star Basketball Classic returns for its 33rd year to raise funds for Via of the Lehigh Valley’s programs for adults and children with disabilities. Keystone Nazareth Bank & Trust, a division of National Penn Bank, returns as the lead sponsor for the Via All-Star Basketball Classic that showcases the basketball talents of local area student athletes.
The Via All-Star Classic Banquet is Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 6 pm at Freedom High School and Via Super Saturday is March 29, 2008, also at Freedom. Games begin at 10:30 am.
“The Via All-Star Basketball Classic raises money for Via’s employment programs which help people with developmental disabilities find successful employment in our community,” said Karen Whitehill, KNBT senior vice president and Via board of directors chair. “The Via All-Star Classic is a great opportunity for KNBT to partner with Via to educate the community about Via’s programs and the need for involvement through financial, partnership and advocacy support.”
This year, the Via All-Star Classic moves to conference versus conference play at the urging of conference basketball coaches and the media. The Via All-Star Classic features the 80 best male and female high school basketball players in the greater Lehigh Valley, selected from the Lehigh Valley, Colonial League and Mountain Valley Conferences and two independent schools (Pius X and Phillipsburg).
“After last year’s event, we heard from coaches and the media that they wanted to capitalize on the natural rivalries that exist between conferences and move toward conference versus conference play,” said Gerry Yasso, Via Events vice president.
“This year, the Lehigh Valley conference will be split into the Lehigh Valley East and West and will play against the Colonial and Mountain Valley Conferences. It should make for some exciting games that showcase this year’s great senior basketball class.”
“It will definitely increase the incentives for players to compete at the top of their sport and boost the competitiveness of the games,” said Pat Boyle, boys head basketball coach, Notre Dame Green Pond High School.
“Players are going to play for the pride of their conference – they want to prove which league is the most formidable.”
All eligible players will be graduating seniors from their schools. A media panel selected the Via All-Star teams, Players of the Year, Teams of the Year and participants for the Coordinated Health 3-Point Shooting contest. The All-Star Team selections are listed below; the remaining announcements, as well as the Lehigh Valley High School Basketball Hall of Fame inductees will be made at the Via All-Star Banquet.
The Via All-Star selection panel is made up of invited representatives from each of the following sports departments: The Morning Call, The Express Times, RCN, Service Electric TV 2, WFMZ, Blue Ridge Cable and the Pocono Record.
“KNBT values the opportunities Via provides to individuals and wants to be a part of an event that helps people with disabilities find jobs in the community,” said Whitehill. “The Via All-Star Classic is a unique opportunity to showcase the talent of our area student athletes and provide them the opportunity to be a part of an event that has an even bigger meaning.”
“It’s an important lesson to learn – to give back to your community – and these students are learning that by being a part of the Via All-Star Classic. This isn’t just about basketball – it’s about giving everyone a shot – it’s about helping others and being a part of our community. KNBT is excited to part of that.”
All proceeds benefit Via of the Lehigh Valley, a non-profit human service agency that provides services for children and adults with disabilities. Via’s staff help individuals and families from birth through retirement focusing in: Children’s Services, Community Connections and Employment Services.
Via works with children up to age three in their homes and daycares to address disabilities and delays. Via trains daycare center staff so children with disabilities can go to school and learn with their peers. Via finds jobs in the community for adults and provides coaching and training for successful employment. And Via helps people volunteer in the community, participate in leisure activities, and find or purchase affordable, accessible housing. Via believes that personal satisfaction and dignity are achieved through individual success and independence and is committed to helping people live full and productive lives. Visit ViaNet.org to learn more about Via’s services.
Tickets for the Via All-Star Banquet and Via Super Saturday are on sale now at ViaNet.org. Sponsor information is also available online at ViaNet.org or by calling 484-893-5389. Doors open on Via Super Saturday at 9:30 am and one ticket allows you to see all four games.
Via All-Star Basketball Classic – Game Day Information
“Via Super Saturday” Game Schedule Ÿ Saturday, March 29, 2008
Freedom High School Gymnasium, Bethlehem, PA
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