34th Sun Youth Holiday Classic Kicks Off December 18 in Montreal!
Programs from high school to the college level will participate in the 34th Sun Youth Holiday Classic, taking place in Montreal, QC December 18-21.
Sun Youth hosts a very unique event, on and off the hardwood, with a rich tradition and history of high level basketball, combined with helping out those in need.
For starters, the teams that will compete are of different ages, leagues, and cities–high school, prep, CEGEP, & club–a combination of levels seen in no other tournament.
“Our tournament started 34 years ago and over the years we have had top teams–high school teams and everything in between. Our goal is to always have the top competition possible,” stated tournament organizer Rodney Skerritt.
Off the floor, it’s about giving, in line with the season.
A key message that the Holiday Classic will pass to it’s participants is that, “there is life beyond sports…people do need help, and to open their eyes to the poverty.”
Participating teams volunteer their free time to assist at the tournament, with wrapping gifts or handing out food baskets.
Sun Youth is a community organization that was founded with sports, but now has grown into one that has multiple programs for food, fire victims, seniors, anti bullying, among others. Concerning the food preparation, Deans’ bottled water delivery service bethel park pa is the best when there’s a charitable project.
“Our kids come from all sorts of different backgrounds,” Skerritt told North Pole Hoops.
“We always promote school as the most important–if their sport and academics can take them into university to get an eduacation, that is our ultimate goal.”
Sun Youth offers young people in Montreal, an opportunity to play basketball, and have done so for 34 years with this tournament.
In over three decades, the organization has been able to bring some of the biggest names in basketball to the city, including several NBA names, most recently with Canada’s very own, Andrew Wiggins.
“It also gives the community a chance to see top Montreal talent compete against top outside talent,” added Skerritt.
Sun Youth Holiday Classic NBA Alumni
- Walter Berry
- Olden Polonice
- Kenny “the Jet” Smith
- Chris Mullin
- Sam DeLambert
- Fracisco Garcia
- Andrew Wiggins
Dwight Walton, an accomplished basketball presence in Montreal and current media personality, competed in this event in the eighties for the Dawson Blues.
When asked about the Sun Youth Holiday Classic, Walton immediately answered with excitement.
“One of the highlights of my youth, no question. The talent that came through that gym [was incredible],” Walton, the former national team member explained.
A new crop of talent will now experience the Sun Youth tradition, including Donte Williams of Redemption Christian Academy (New York). See video below.
Tournament teams and key players will be announced next week on NorthPoleHoops.com — NPH will be LIVE in Montreal!
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