GOVERNORS CHALLENGE EXPANDS ITS IMPACT BEYOND THE COURT

Salisbury, MD - For over 40 years the Governors Challenge has brought top-notch high school basketball talent to Wicomico County. This year the tournament will expand its impact beyond the court through a toy drive, food drive and the Butch Waller Scholarship.

"Our mission is to be the best experience in high school hoops," said tournament director James Simmons. "This year we're proud to expand that experience and grow deeper roots in our local community. I am proud that our area's student athletes will have tremendous opportunities to make an impact both on and off the court."

Toy Drive

Now through Dec. 6, tournament coordinators are collecting new, unwrapped toys for children ages 3-12. The gifts will be distributed on Dec. 26 at the Wicomico Civic Center during the first day of competition.

Donations are accepted at the following locations:

• Wicomico Civic Center - 500 Glen Ave., Salisbury, MD 21804
• Power 101.7 - Voice Radio Network Studio - 20254 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947
• Wicomico Partnership for Families and Children - 110 N. Division St., Salisbury, MD 21801
• Salisbury Fire Department Station #16 - 325 Cypress St., Salisbury, MD 21801

Food Drive

The Governors Challenge has partnered with the Local Management Board of Wicomico County to feed 500 families in need in Wicomico County. Each family will receive a box packed with non-perishable food items and tickets to the Governors Challenge.

Local high school basketball teams will pack and distribute boxes. The project is funded through M&T Bank, the Wicomico Partnership for Families and Children, the Local Management Board and the Governor's Office for Children.

Butch Waller Scholarship

Delmarva basketball legend Butch Waller has impacted the lives of athletes and families for over 50 years. The Butch Waller Scholarship honors his legacy and celebrates his success. Local high school seniors may apply at www.govchallenge.org/community/butch-waller/scholarship. The application deadline is Dec. 1.

Governors Challenge Tournament

With over one hundred and forty high school basketball teams from sixteen states and Canada, there will be a lot of basketball to watch Dec. 26-30. Multiple top ten teams and nationally ranked players will be displaying their talents.

"We're adding a lot off the court this year, but we've also added even more talent on the court," said Simmons. "We have a loaded showcase division featuring future NBA players and schools like AZ Compass, Westtown, Wasatch, Southern California Academy and some intense local rivalries that you won't want to miss."

Daily admission is $15, and tournament passes (valid for all days of the tournament) are $50. Daily admission for kids ages 3-11 is $8, and tournament passes for kids are $25. Kids ages 2 and under are admitted free. A limited number of weeklong courtside passes ($100) and daily VIP passes ($75) are available for the Wicomico Civic Center location.

To purchase tickets, view schedules or learn more, visit www.GovernorsChallenge.org.