Basketball Tournament Raises Funds for NYC Public High Schools

 

The New York Knicks will partner with Youth, I.N.C. (Improving Nonprofits for Children) for Youth, I.N.C.’s 11^th annual Net Gain Tournament at The Park Avenue Armory in New York City on Thursday, April 17^th. The Net Gain Tournament is an exciting night of basketball that brings together 24 teams consisting of corporate sponsors, high school youth, and Knicks alumni to raise funds for Youth, I.N.C. and its Net Gain Program.In partnership with Urban Dove and BasketBall City, Youth, I.N.C. provides basketball court time to 17 high schools without a “home court,” allowing them to practice and host the home games required for participation in the Public School Athletic League. The tournament has raised more than $3 million over the past 10 years with celebrity coaches including former Knicks stars Mel Davis, Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Johnny Newman, Cal Ramsey, Micheal Ray Richardson, John Starks, Buck Williams, Jerome Williams, and WNBA NY Liberty Kym Hampton. Additionally, this year’s Tournament will kick off with the much anticipated 2nd Annual Hedge Fund vs. Private Equity All-Star Game.“The Net Gain Tournament is a terrific example of youth and their supporters coming together for a specific cause. Providing our youth with a place to play is necessary for keeping them on the right track,” said John Starks, Knicks Alumni Relations and Fan Development Advisor.For the organization’s Founder and Executive Director, Steve Orr, ”Youth, I.N.C. is all about the kids and Net Gain is a great program because they are empowered directly. The confidence that comes with being part of a team, and really, being a part of something bigger in their community is key to their development at this stage in the game.”“Being born and raised in Brooklyn and having had the opportunity to play sports in the public school system directly contributed to my development personally and professionally. The Knicks are proud to help provide this same opportunity to today’s youth athletes,” said Karin Buchholz, Knicks Vice President, Community Relations and Fan Development.A recent Urban Dove survey shows that Net Gain athletes graduate high school at an over 90% rate as compared to 60% citywide. Athletes and coaches have donated over 5,000 hours of community service, improving dozens of communities and helping hundreds of thousands of New York City residents. “This program is proof that after-school sports isn’t just about becoming a better athlete – it is about developing life and academic skills, and learning how to be a positive leader in your community,” said Jai Nanda, Founder and Executive Director of Urban Dove.The program uses athletic participation as the building block in providing students with the leadership, teamwork, and communication skills they need to succeed in high school and beyond.Beyond Net Gain, Youth, I.N.C. has raised over $18.5 million to benefit New York City kids. In 2007 alone, Youth, I.N.C. impacted the lives of over 100,000 youth. These achievements are made possible with the generous support from Youth, I.N.C.’s Board of Directors and corporate sponsors such as AIG Investments; Clayton, Dubilier & Rice; Credit Suisse; Goldman, Sachs & Co.; J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.; Lehman Brothers; Thomas H. Lee Capital; TPG-Axon Capital; and Wachovia Securities. According to Youth, I.N.C.’s Executive Director, Steve Orr, “The Net Gain Tournament provides the Wall Street community an opportunity to give back to a cause that directly benefits New York City’s underserved youth.”WHO: Youth, I.N.C., Urban Dove, BasketBall City, Wall Street Execs, Knicks Alumni, and NYC High School StudentsWHAT: 2008 Net Gain TournamentWHERE: The Park Avenue Armory – 643 Park Avenue

WHEN: Thursday, April 17, 2008; 5:00 – 10:00 PM