31 Local Teams to Face-Off at the Markham Pan Am Centre December 27th-29th, 2017
De Grasse Q&A, Meet and Greet and Media Availability on December 28th, 2017
MARKHAM, ON (December 14, 2017) – Canadian sprint sensation Andre De Grasse, who made the transition from the courts to the track, announces inaugural Andre De Grasse Holiday Classic basketball tournament, tipping-off at the Markham Pan Am Centre December 27th-29th.
“I grew up playing basketball in Markham and those roots are really important to me,” said De Grasse. “Hosting a holiday basketball tournament is way to help showcase some of the amazing young talent being produced in the GTA while giving back to my hometown.”
Andre was raised in Markham, Ontario and played a variety of team sports including soccer, baseball and basketball before taking up track in his final year at Milliken Mills High School.
“Markham is incredibly proud of the many accomplishments of Andre De Grasse, both on the track and in the classroom,” said City of Markham Mayor, Frank Scarpitti. “Andre has represented our community proudly around the world, establishing himself as one of track and field’s most prolific stars while being a positive role model for all that look up to him. We are thrilled that he continues to give back to his local community by hosting this tournament in Markham.”
The tournament will see 31 teams face-off at the grade 6, 7, 8, junior, senior and prep levels. Thornlea Prep will headline the Prep division, led by coach Chris Skinner, who coached Andre in high school.
“It’s great that Andre is coming back to the community and putting on a basketball event,” said coach Skinner. “Basketball was his first love – we used to call him the next Iverson!”
The tournament is open to the public, doors opening daily at 8:45 a.m. Entry is $10.00 per person per day with net proceeds supporting KidSport. KidSport is a national not-for-profit organization that provides financial assistance for registration fees and equipment to kids aged 18 and under.
Andre De Grasse Holiday Classic
Wednesday, December 27th
8:45 a.m. Doors Open
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Tournament Games
Thursday, December 28th
8:45 a.m. Doors Open
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Tournament Games
1:30 – 2:00 p.m. Q&A with Andre De Grasse
2:00 – 2:30 p.m. Meet & Greet with Andre De Grasse
2:30 – 3:15 p.m. Media Availability
Friday, December 29th
8:45 a.m. Doors Open
9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Tournament Games
**Full team listing and schedule to be released prior to tournament.
The Andre De Grasse Holiday Classic is presented by Pizza Pizza with support from Puma and Gatorade.
“Pizza Pizza has been one of Andre’s biggest fans. This tournament is yet another great fit for our partnership since we love being involved at the grassroots level,” said Pat Finelli, Chief Marketing Officer, Pizza Pizza. “We look forward to celebrating the game of basketball with Andre and all of Markham at the Holiday Classic.”
For media requests and tournament access, please contact Zachary Fox-Tapper at zach@envisionse.com or 647-230-6037.
Courtesy of the Andre De Grasse Holiday Classic
Drew Ebanks
