Local celebrities will take to the court to face-off in wheelchairs against Sitrin’s STARS athletes in the 22nd Annual Celebrity Classic Wheelchair Basketball Game on Thursday, April 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Clark Athletic Center.
Joining this year’s game is Syracuse University Men’s Basketball star J.J. Starling. 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, Utica Mayor Michael Galime, Olympian Erin Hamlin and several members of the local media.
Returning to defend their 21-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 Kevin Burnside, Thomas Dane, Mike Olsen, Jacob Moore, Maria Starowicz, Abigail VanPatten, and Kian Demkowitch.
“We are grateful to the community, participants, and event sponsors for their continued support of the Celebrity Classic,” said Marc DePerno, vice president of Foundation and Communications and director of the STARS program. “The STARS athletes look forward to showcasing their amazing abilities and taking on the Celebrity Cruisers for what will surely be an exciting 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.
One fan will have a chance to compete against Starling 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].
Syracuse University Men’s Basketball star J.J. Starling will headline the 22nd Annual Sitrin Celebrity Classic Wheelchair Basketball Game. Photo courtesy of Sitrin.
