ISSAQUAH, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Saturday and Sunday, August 29th and 30th, will mark the first annual Hoops for Hope: The Jim Marsh Classic, an authentic 3-on-3 street basketball tournament to be held on Airport Way South through Georgetown’s business and retail district. The tournament, which is sponsored by Sonics Arena Group and BECU, will raise critical funding and awareness for Mentoring Works Washington and the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation, while celebrating the accomplishments of beloved basketball icon Jim Marsh.
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. His former players Spencer Hawes, of the Charlotte Hornets, and Isaiah Thomas, of the Phoenix Suns, will participate in the event.
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 8 and up. The family-friendly event will include entertainment and activities for the whole family. Georgetown offers a variety of terrific dining options.
Don’t delay, register today and be a part of the inaugural event! Not ready to suit up and play? Come on down and watch some authentic street basketball on Airport Way South. First game tips off at 9AM and games will conclude daily at 4PM. Visit www.jimmarshclassic.org for more information.
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