May 2015 event will honor Officer Sean A. Collier, support Jimmy Fund
THE 2015 Boston Strong First Responder Basketball Tournament is coming to Melrose Veteran’s Memorial Middle School and Melrose High School on May 16-17, 2015.
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE — Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School and Melrose High School will open their doors to host the 2015 Boston Strong First Responder Basketball Tournament on May 16-17. The event is open to any local first responder 18 and over who wants to shoot ball in honor of late M.I.T. Officer Sean A. Collier, who was killed by Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev on April 13, 2013 at the age of 27.
This is the third annual event which has raised thousands of dollar for charities, including The One Fund, and the first time its been hosted by Melrose High School. The two day, double elimination basketball tournament will benefit the Dana Farber Cancer Institute through the Sean Collier Memorial Fund and is sponsored by the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Melrose High School Athletics Dept., The City of Melrose Recreation Dept. and IAABO Board 27.
It takes place at the adjoining gymnasiums at Melrose High School and Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School, 360 Lynn Fells Pkwy, Melrose on May 16 and 17 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Melrose has been incredibly generous,” says planner Rafael Almedo, who organized the first event at M.I.T. in 2013. “The Jimmy Fund was a personal cause for Sean and we can’t think of a better way to honor him than have the proceeds go directly to his charity of choice.” Almedo, of Wakefield, worked hard with Melrose’s Steve Karampalas to bring the event to Melrose, which is also home to current Melrose Alderman Jennifer Lemmerman, sister of the late Collier. “I spoke to Jennifer and she is happy to hear of the event and Mayor Dolan and Athletic Director Pat Ruggerio have been instrumental. The venue is absolutely perfect.”
Teams of first responders in the local areas are encouraged to participate. First responder teams play for bragging rights and a great cause. Cost is $500 registration fee per team. $5 at the door for family, friends and spectators.To register your teams, donations, sponsorship and more information please contact Rafael Olmedo, 781-816-3536 or via e-mail at rafaelolmedo3@gmail.com.
All registration fees and proceeds benefit the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and The Sean Collier Memorial Fund.
Organizers are in great need of sponsorship and corporate donations of goods, even from local restaurants and businesses. Those interested should contact Olmedo at the above listing.
