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The C-U Swish-Out Childhood Cancer Challenge, presented by Town & Country FCU, is happening this year but with a twist as a result of the pandemic. Taking place over a four-week period, the annual event will be a virtual 3-on-3, co-ed, free throw competition.
“Unfortunately, health concerns and protocols regarding in-person events prevent this year’s Swish-Out from happening in-person in its usual format,” said Jon Paradise, Tournament Founder and the Senior VP of Communications, Marketing and Community Outreach for Town & Country FCU. “However, the reality is, the need to raise funds for children with cancer and their families is still very much needed. As a result, we decided to hold the Swish-Out, but it looks a little different this year. We promise it will still be fun and continue the long tradition of raising funds for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program.”
The format of this year’s event will be a weekly free throw competition where three participants form a team and each participant takes 50 free throws. The free throws can be taken from anywhere that has a regulation free throw line or a close facsimile, and do not have to be taken at the same time. The collective total from the team is reported each week. 25% of the teams in each division with the lowest total will be eliminated, while the remainder will move on to the next week. Gift cards will be awarded weekly to winning teams and the top three teams in each division at the end of the four-week competition will win prizes.
The tournament kicked-off on April 12, however, teams can register to participate up until April 18.
“This event is happening because of the great support of sponsors and past participants,” added Paradise. “We are hopeful that many of our regular participating teams will join the event this year. The good news; people from anywhere can participate. A team can be whatever people want it to be—co-workers, relatives, friends, classmates, etc. It’s a great team-building event, so we hope to get a number of businesses involved.”
There is one adult division and three junior divisions: high school; 7th/8th grade; and 5/6th grade. The entry fee for each team is $75. All participants can raise additional funds online.
When the Swish-Out began in 1994, the event raised $575 and included seven teams. Last year, the tournament hosted nearly 60 teams and raised approximately $50,000 for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program! Since it began, the tournament has raised $570,000 for children with cancer and their families. 100% of all money raised through registration, sponsorships, and contributions goes directly to the cause.