The annual St. Mary’s / East End Basketball Tournament is one of the largest basketball tournament for players with disabilities in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  The Tournament’s motto is “Everyone plays. Everyone wins.”  The 2011 tournament featured 525 athletes representing 42 basketball teams from 15 counties.    

St. Mary’s would like to thank all the 2011 volunteers, including the official KBOA referees, who came out and gave of their time and helped at our event.  We also owe a sincere thanks to the following facilities that allowed us to use their gyms and to the volunteer tournament gym managers for their assistance in making the basketball tournament a success:

Tournament Location                                 Gym Manager
St. Patrick                                                      Larry Jones
Highland Park Baptist                                   Jamie Gatewood
Waggener Traditional High School                 
     Small gym                                                Lynn Huber
     Large gym                                                Sister Regina Bevelaqua
St. Therese Catholic Church                         Mary Ann Daunhauer

Our thanks also to our honorary chairman, Zachary Lipson, a student manager for the University of Kentucky's men’s basketball team.  Zachary, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, has never had the opportunity to play basketball himself because of a spinal problem.  However, what he can do is inspire the UK team from the sideline.  Zachary has had over 30 surgeries and has overcome great challenges in his life. 

Zachary visited each of the five tournament sites in Louisville and spoke at each of the games.  Zachary also visited with the athletes and took photographs with each team.  He was able to touch the lives of over 1,000 people as he talked about his life and how he views his disabilities as a positive gift.  He spoke of humility and love.

First time tournament attendees, Charlie and Ann Hurst left the basketball court inspired and touched by the player’s hearts.  Ann couldn’t believe the intensity and the skill level of the athletes.  Charlie walked away knowing that the players left happy because they had a chance to compete like others they witness in real life and on TV.

Our tournament returns again in 2012 on the first Saturday of February.  If you are looking for a fun way to get involved, we always need volunteers.  Give us a call at 244-0082 or email us at ann@saintmaryscenter.org.