VIENNA, W.Va. – The Ohio Valley University men’s and women’s basketball teams are encouraging Mid-Ohio Valley residents to join them for a special evening of Hoops for Hope Monday, Feb. 18, to bring greater awareness to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Both teams will face-off against Wheeling Jesuit University at 5:30 (women) and 7:30 (men) p.m. at OVU’s Snyder Activity Center, located off College Parkway in Parkersburg.
The event is being organized by OVU student Kayla Parsley.
Parsley recently participated in the 2012 Crowns for Memories Pageant and was crowned Miss Alzheimer's Association. Her interest in the pageant was deeply personal. Parsley’s aunt, grandmother, and all five of her grandmother’s sisters, were diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
“My aunt’s future seems very scary and not very promising,” said Parsley. “I chose to participate in the pageant for her. I believe the Hoops for Hope event can grow and others will be inspired to host similar events to raise awareness of the disease.”
Purple ribbons will be sold for $1 at the door in memory of loved ones fighting the disease or caring for someone with the disease. All proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer's Association - WV Chapter. To learn more about Alzheimer’s and dementia, visit www.alz.org/wv or call 1.800.272.3900.
At the beginning of each game the teams will honor their respective seniors for the time and commitment they contributed to each program. Seniors are as follows:
Tara Benedict, a business management major from Troy, Ohio, played forward for the Lady Scots. She is the daughter of Rhonda Benedict and will graduate in May 2013.
Jasmine Gibson, a psychology major from New Castle, Del., played center for the Lady Scots. She is the daughter of Nichole Gibson and Denard Montgomery and will graduate in May 2013.
Mustafa Helal, a bio-chemistry major from Windsor, Ontario, Canada, played four years as forward for the Fighting Scots. He is the son of Nawal and Atta Helal. He will graduate in May 2013.
Ashton Brown, a sociology major from Buffalo, N.Y., served as guard for the Fighting Scots. He is the son of Lisa Rudwick and will graduate in May 2013.
Ohio Valley University competes in the NCAA Division II in men's baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer and wrestling, as well as women's basketball, golf, cross country, softball, soccer and volleyball. Visit www.ovu.edu to learn more.
###
