Director of the Sitrin STARS Program Marc DePerno, tells us all about the annual event and what to expect. He also tells us what they're doing new for 2018.

If you've seen the Sitrin Celebrity Classic Wheelchair Basketball Game before, you know how much of a riot it can be. Watching local celebrities outside their comfort zone, trying to compete in a wheelchair basketball game, against the very talented Sitrin STARS.

Marc DePerno stopped by the Lite 98.7 Studio to tell us about the event this year (which you can hear in the video at the top of this page). He told us about some of the local figures that will be competing, as well as where the money that's raised goes, and about the twist they've added to this year's game.

The game will take place in the Utica College Clark Athletic Center on Thursday, April 19th at 6:30pm. The Sitrin STARS basketball team will be taking on local celebrities including New York State Senator Joe Griffo, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, the Mayor of Utica Robert Palmieri, New York State Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi, Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol, many TV and radio personalities throughout Central New York (including yours truly), and many other well-known members of the community.

Headlining the event are Syracuse University basketball legends Lawrence Moten and Eric Devendorf. Of course, Olympic medalist Erin Hamlin will also be playing on the celebrity team.

It's a family-friendly event, that's not only eye-opening, but inspiring. And it's a great chance to meet some fantastic people. Those who attend the event also have the opportunity to get pictures taken and get autographs from the players.

Marc DePerno also told us about where the money that's raised from this event goes...

All dollars stay local for the STARS program, specifically those dollars help us purchase much-needed adaptive sporting equipment. That might mean additional basketball wheelchairs, maybe purchasing special equipment for a biathlon, air-rifle shooting - which we offer that program - helping people practice for the Boilermaker, purchasing racing wheelchairs. Perhaps sending athletes to competitions or training camps, which certainly help them to inspire to be the best they can be.

There's also a spin on this year's Sitrin Celebrity Classic Wheelchair Basketball Game. In the video (at the top of this page), Marc DePerno explains they will be doing a special raffle, where the winner will get to strap into a wheelchair and play along with the celebrities for part of the game! Pretty exciting, and definitely a unique experience, right?!

There will also be a 50/50 raffle and food and drinks available for purchase.

Tickets for the event are only $10 for adults and $5 for students. Children under five get in for free. You can pick up your tickets from Sitrin, get them at the door the day of the event, or call (315) 737-2406 for more information.

 


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