34th Annual Via All-Star Basketball Classic Announces New Lead Sponsor, New Location and Dates
December 3, 2008

BETHLEHEM, PA –The Via All-Star Basketball Classic returns for its 34th year to raise funds for Via of the Lehigh Valley’s programs for adults and children with disabilities.  Via is pleased to announce that East Penn Bank, a division of Harleysville National Bank, has taken the role of lead sponsor for the Via All-Star Basketball Classic that showcases the basketball talents of local area student athletes.

Via Super Saturday, a riveting game of end-to-end, high-spirited basketball, finds a new home at Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem.  Via Super Saturday is March 28, 2009 and games begin at 10:30am.

"Northampton Community College is thrilled to be hosting this prestigious event,” said Troy Tucker, Northampton Community College Director of Athletics & Physical Education.

“Not only does it afford us the opportunity to have some of the best high school basketball talent in the Lehigh Valley on our campus, it allows the college to support Via in their effort to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities.  As a parent of a child with a developmental disability and a former basketball coach, this event has an extra special meaning for me."

The Via All-Star Classic Banquet returns to Freedom High School on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 6pm for an exciting evening to honor the top basketball players in the greater Lehigh Valley.  The Lehigh Valley High School Basketball Hall of Fame will also induct new members at the Via All-Star Banquet.  The Hall of Fame recently announced a new nomination process that opens up nominations to the entire community.  Nominations are accepted at ViaNet.org.

The Via All-Star Classic features the 80 best male and female high school basketball players selected from the Lehigh Valley, Colonial League and Mountain Valley Conferences and two independent schools (Pius X and Phillipsburg).  Last year, the Via All-Star Classic moved to conference versus conference play at the urging of conference basketball coaches and the media.  The resulting match-ups were close-scoring games, played and coached with tremendous enthusiasm.

 “The match-ups capitalize on the natural rivalries that exist between the conferences,” said Gerry Yasso, Via Events vice president.

“The Lehigh Valley conference is split into the Lehigh Valley East and West and play against the Colonial and Mountain Valley Conferences.  It makes for some well matched-up games that showcase this year’s great senior basketball class.”

All eligible players will be graduating seniors from their schools.  A media panel will select the Via All-Star teams, Players of the Year, Teams of the Year, two scholarship award winners and participants for the Coordinated Health 3-Point Shooting contest.  The Via All-Star Banquet recognizes these student athletes and the Lehigh Valley Basketball Hall of Fame inductees. 
 
The Via All-Star selection panel is made up of one representative from the Via All-Star Basketball Classic committee and invited representatives from each of the following sports departments: The Morning Call, The Express Times, East Penn Publishing, Lehighton Times News, RCN, Service Electric TV 2, WFMZ, Blue Ridge Cable, and the Pocono Record.

“The Via All-Star Classic raises money for Via’s employment programs which help people with disabilities, like autism and Downs syndrome, find successful employment in our community.  We at East Penn Bank are committed to promoting growth and development in our communities and work to preserve and enhance the quality of life in each of the communities we serve.”

The Via All-Star Basketball Classic raises funds for Via’s services for children and adults with disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome.  Serving the community since 1954, Via’s staff help individuals and families from birth through retirement focusing in Children’s Services, Community Connections and Employment.

Via works with children up to age three in their homes and daycares to address disabilities and delays.  Via finds jobs in the community for adults and provides coaching and training for successful employment.  And Via helps people, from teens to those at retirement age, connect and live in their community by volunteering, participating in leisure activities, and finding or purchasing affordable, accessible housing.  Via fosters and advocates the concept of inclusion and choice within schools, neighborhoods and communities, personal relationships, and employment.  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.

For more information, contact:
Lisa Walkiewicz, Communications Director
L.Walkiewicz@vianet.org | 484-893-5390