KREUL CLASSIC TO HOST ESPY AWARD-WINNER JASON MCELWAIN'S TEAM
[Jul-19-2006]
Coral Springs, FL -- In recognition of a shining example of school spirit and humanity, the Kreul Classic has partnered with businesses to host the Greece Athena High School boys’ varsity basketball team from Rochester, New York during their participation in the 17th annual Kreul Classic national invitational tournament at Coral Springs City Gymnasium in December. Greece Athena gained nationwide media recognition last spring when autistic student Jason McElwain scored 20 points in the final four minutes of the team’s district title game.
This week McElwain topped Kobe Bryant to capture the Best Moment in Sports ESPY award. During his acceptance speech, broadcast during the ESPN annual awards show on Sunday, McElwain acknowledged the tremendous support he has received from his teammates, the Greece Athena student body, and most notably, head coach Jim Johnson. Kreul Classic organizers will further recognize the outstanding actions of the team for creating an atmosphere that fosters inclusion, acceptance and an opportunity for students with special needs to excel by awarding the team an invitation to compete in the showcase tournament which is regionally broadcast on Comcast Sports Southeast (CSS).
Through a trip sponsored by the Kreul and several businesses, Greece Athena will be one of 16 boys’ and 16 girls’ teams to compete in the Kreul Classic which is widely touted as one of the best tournaments in the country. Each year, the Kreul tournament committee reviews hundreds of applications from teams seeking an invitation to showcase their hardwood skills and benefit from the exceptional exposure of the national event.
For more information regarding Greece Athena High, the Kreul Classic tournament, Kreul scholarship program, or the organization’s many other philanthropic endeavors, contact Jim Reilly at info@kreul.com or 954.753.6327.
The Kreul Classic is an invitational high school basketball tournament featuring 32 top-caliber boys’ and girls’ teams from across the nation. Held annually the week before Christmas in Coral Springs, Florida, the volunteer-administered event is considered a model of excellence by which other events gage their performance. Since 1989, the Kreul has positively affected the lives of more than 9,600 student-athletes representing 24 states, Canada, and the Bahamas. The Kreul has hosted numerous sports celebrities including Chuck Daley, Kevin Loughery, Brian Hill, Lou Carnesecca, Tubby Smith, and has awarded more than $460,000 in academic scholarships to Florida students. A non-profit 501(c)3, the organization operates primarily on corporate sponsorships and attendance revenues. Further information is available at www.kreul.com.
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