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As evidenced by the spirit and sportsmanship on display at the 24th Annual C-U Swish-Out Childhood Cancer Challenge, it really was all about helping kids with cancer and their families. In the end, it did by raising more than $55,00 for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, a new record, at the 24th Annual C-U Swish-Out Childhood Cancer Challenge on Sunday, January 28, at USM in Gorham.
A record 60 teams competed in one of the three adult divisions and two junior divisions, and the event attracted nearly 400 spectators.
“What a tremendous example of people coming together for a greater good. To have so many teams, sponsors and volunteers be so generous of their time and money on a Sunday in January is really gratifying. I appreciate everyone involved who made this year’s event the biggest ever,” said Jon Paradise, Vice President of Public Affairs and Engagement at the Maine CU League, which coordinates the event, and the Founder of the event. Paradise said he founded the event because he wanted to combine his love of basketball with doing some good in the community. He said that he could never have imagined that the tournament would grow to become what it is today. “It started in 1994 with seven teams and raised $575. Today, it has grown to become the longest, continuous-running, 3-on-3, charity basketball tournament in Maine. And, in its history, it has raised nearly $500,000 for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program.
“This event is so uplifting. We appreciate the time and energy that Jon and his team put into it every year. It means so much to the families we serve,” remarked Tara Studley, Development Director at Maine Children’s Cancer Program.
Special thanks go out to the 2018 Swish-Out major sponsors including: Tyler Technologies; Maine’s credit unions; WEX; Five County Credit Union; PCH; CU Promise; KV Federal Credit Union; Martin’s Point Healthcare; Hannaford Supermarkets; Back in Motion PT; Maine State Credit Union; Premium Consulting; Portland Pulp; the University of Southern Maine Athletics’ program; WPOR 101.9; and Moody’s Collision Center. Thanks goes to all of the other great sponsors who supported the event at a variety of levels.
Congratulations to the 2018 Swish-Out Champions:
Adult Divisions –
Elite – Above the Rim
Just for Fun – Sandler
Forever Young – Sandler 40+
Junior Divisions –
Middle School – Just Get It Done
4/5th Grade – NHI
Information regarding the 25th Annual C-U Swish-Out Childhood Cancer Challenge (in memory of Dr. Noel Paradise) will be out sometime in the spring.