Local celebrities will take to the court to face-off in wheelchairs against Sitrin’s STARS athletes in the 21st Annual Celebrity Classic Wheelchair Basketball game on Thursday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m., in the Utica University Clark Athletic Center.

Joining this year’s game are Syracuse University Men’s Basketball stars J.J. Starling, Donnie Freeman and more. Starling led his team in scoring, averaging 17.8 points per game, and has accumulated more than 1,000 career points. He also ranked seventh in scoring in the ACC. Freeman was the second-leading scorer for the Orange, averaging 13.4 points per game.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Sitrin STARS program, which provides opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities to participate in a variety of adaptive sports including wheelchair curling, road racing, target shooting, paddling, biathlon, and archery, in addition to wheelchair basketball. Sitrin STARS athletes have competed on the international and Paralympic level and have represented the United States throughout the world.

  The team’s roster continues with Sen. Joseph Griffo, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, Assemblyman Brian Miller, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, Mayor of Utica Michael Galime, as well as local journalists and media personalities. 

Returning to defend their 20-year winning streak are STARS athletes Hermin Garic, elite road racer and the first Oneida County resident to win the Boilermaker 15K; Jimmy “Jam” Joseph, three-time Paralympian; Tammy Delano, Paralympian; as well as Devon Henry, Jacob Moore, Oniel Nunes, Abigail VanPatten, Bob Prenoveau and Kian Demkowitch.

“The STARS athletes look forward to showcasing their amazing abilities and taking on the Celebrity Cruisers for what will surely be an exciting game,” said Marc DePerno, vice president of Foundation and Communications and director of the STARS program.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Sitrin STARS program, which provides opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities to participate in a variety of adaptive sports including wheelchair curling, road racing, target shooting, paddling, biathlon, and archery, in addition to wheelchair basketball. Sitrin STARS athletes have competed on the international and Paralympic level and have represented the United States throughout the world.

Two fans will have a chance to compete against the SU players in a three-point competition during halftime. There will also be a silent auction of sports memorabilia, a 50/50 raffle, and free autographs during the second half of the game.

Tickets, which can be purchased online or at the door, are $10 for adults 18 years of age and older, and $5 for students of any age. Children under five years old are free. For ticket information, visit www.sitrin.com/celebrityclassic.

Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase. Doors open at 6 p.m.

For more information about the Celebrity Classic Wheelchair Basketball Game, or the Sitrin STARS program, contact DePerno at (315) 737-2416 or [email protected].