ISSAQUAH, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--This week Mentoring Works Washington and Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation announced plans for a 3 on 3 basketball tournament to be held in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood on August 29th and 30th, 2015. Hoops for Hope: The Jim Marsh Classic, sponsored by BECU, will raise critical funding and awareness for Mentoring Works Washington and the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation, while celebrating the accomplishments of Jim Marsh.
Jim Marsh is an icon in Seattle’s basketball community. Marsh played professionally for the Portland Trailblazers, coached at the Division 1 collegiate level and worked for the Seattle SuperSonics. While employed by Bank of America and then Costco, Marsh led basketball camps all over the Puget Sound Region for thousands of at-risk, inner-city youth.
Marsh spent the last 25 years coaching 7th-12th graders on some of the winningest AAU teams in the country. All of Marsh’s former players count Coach Marsh as a friend and mentor including current NBA players Spencer Hawes, Isaiah Thomas, Martell Webster and Joe Harris who have been invited to participate in the tournament.
In 2004 Marsh was selected to serve as founding President of Mentoring Works Washington, a non-profit aimed at fueling mentoring programs with the resources they need to provide youth with caring adult mentors. That same year, Marsh was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Living with Parkinson’s did not slow him down. With the support of the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation, his family and friends, Marsh leads an active and full life which includes playing basketball every week!
The Jim Marsh Classic is open to players of all skill levels, ages 9 and up. The festival-style event will include entertainment and activities for the whole family. A diverse sampling of Seattle’s fare will be available and local bands and artists will perform on the Sub Pop Records Stage throughout the two-day tournament.
Don’t delay, register today and be a part of the inaugural event! Not ready to suit up and play? Visit www.jimmarshclassic.org to find out how to get involved.
