LIVE WIRE of the Harlem Wizards signs autographs for fans. (Courtesy Photo)

 

 

 

LYNNFIELD – A Healthy Lynnfield recently brought the fun, high-flying, Harlem Wizards back to Lynnfield High School.

The Lynnfield High School gymnasium was packed with families gathered to watch teachers, school administrators, and community leaders take on the Wizards in a non-traditional basketball game.

More than 600 people attended the event that is designed to raise funds to support A Healthy Lynnfield and its work to prevent substance misuse and to ensure those impacted have the help they need.  The crowd was treated to great skills, teamwork, slick dribbling, alley-oops and crazy slam dunks. The fans attending quickly found out that it was much more than just a basketball game. The funny, theatrical, exciting and spectacular activities kept the crowd entertained the entire time.

 

DRAGON asks Lynnfield High School Guidance Counselor Krista Normandin for a mid-court hug during the recent A Healthy Lynnfield fundraiser. (Courtesy Photo)

 

“Last year’s event was so successful we knew immediately that we had to bring the Wizards back this year,” said A Healthy Lynnfield Program Director Diana DeLeo.  “We sold out so quickly that it was clear that this was an event that families were excited to attend.  We know that community events like this help to build protective factors for children which lead to better decisions when it comes to drug and alcohol use.”

Harlem Wizards road manager and voice of the game Jamel Thompson agreed.

“Our goal is to spread love through basketball and bringing the community together,” said Thompson.

Before the start of the game, Thompson said: “I hope everyone has a family night of fun and that the kids enjoy the opportunity to get up close and personal with their favorite players.”

Wellpoint served as the MVP sponsor of the event.  The Cheerleader sponsors were Massachusetts Center for Adolescence Wellness and Hixon + Bevilacqua Home Group.

For more information about A Healthy Lynnfield, visit http://www.ahealthylynnfield.org.