Coaches versus Cancer fundraiser

VERONA, N.Y. » Prior to tipping off their respective regular seasons, 64 local high school boys’ and girls’ basketball teams will take to the hardwood to raise funds in support of the fight against cancer.

On Saturday, Nov. 18, 64 local high school boys’ and girls’ basketball teams will be facing off in a one-day scrimmage event to generate support of the American Cancer Society through the Officials and Coaches vs. Cancer program.

Matches are set to take place on two campuses: Vernon-Verona-Sherrill and Oneida high schools.

Each team gets the chance to scrimmage for two 10-minute periods against three other teams. Sessions will begin at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Participating schools include: VVS, Canastota, Oriskany, Stockbridge, Westmoreland, Oneida, Waterville, Cazenovia, Utica-Proctor, Whitesboro, Madison, Clinton, Oswego, Chittenango, Carthage, CVA, Dolgeville, Mount Markham, Oxford, Little Falls, Tully, Fayetteville-Manlius, Town of Webb, Herkimer and Holy Cross.

Admission is $3 per person. There will also be a 50/50 and an opportunity to write the name of a loved one who has battled cancer on special Coaches vs. Cancer pin-ups to be displayed on a wall of honor at both venues.

All participating basketball officials will also be waiving their stipends in support of the event.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to come out and root on student athletes while raising funds to support the American Cancer Society’s mission to help people stay well, get well, find cures and fight back,” said Robert Elinskas, Senior Community Manager for the American Cancer Society, “We’re very grateful to the officials, coaches, athletes and schools for coming together to score a victory against cancer.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity to come out and root on student athletes while raising funds to support the American Cancer Society’s mission to help people staywell, getwell, find cures and fight back.” – Robert Elinskas, Senior Community Manager for the American Cancer Society

DISPATCH FILE PHOTO - ONEIDA DAILY DISPATCH Vernon-Verona-Sherrill’s Connor VanDreason delivers a pass during the Coaches vs. Cancer scrimmage against New Hartford in Verona on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015.