Clash of the charities battle it out at the fifth annual all-star charity shootout

Team Michael “Pinball” Clemons Foundation anxiously awaits the tip-off at the fifth annual All-star Charity Shootout held July 17 at York University.

There is no looking back when proceeds are at stake and that was evident with the effort put forward by both teams at the fifth annual All-Star Charity Shootout (ASCS) held July 17, at York University in Toronto, Ont.

The ASCS is a celebration of Canada at its best, dedicated to raising funds to better our communities. Canada’s best male basketball players from universities and colleges across the country and professional leagues around the world came together with special guest Canadian football legend Michael “Pinball” Clemons. It was a clash of the charities while funds were being raised for War Child Canada and the Michael “Pinball” Clemons Foundation (MPCF).

The event kicked off at 3:30 p.m. when the two teams took to the court. MPCF was down by 10 points with three minutes remaining in the game, but battled back to take the game into overtime and eventually win 107 – 101. This was the MPCF’s first experience with the all-star shootout.

Co-founder of MPCF Natasha Borota says her favourite part of the game was when the team went into overtime and swept up with a win. “Of course we have a winning spirit, but there was no loser at this event,” said Borota. “We all win when helping out our youth.”

Unfortunately, Durham College athlete of the year, Eric Smith was unable to participate due to personal circumstances. Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) all-time leading scorer and DC graduate Anthony Batchelor previously participated in the game in 2006 and 2008.

The day went well and those in attendance enjoyed a free barbecue and prize giveaways with live entertainment from Toronto radio station Flow 93.5 featuring DJ P-Plus. Clemons was accompanied by Alyson Rowe from War Child to give a heartfelt message to the crowd on behalf of their respective charities.

More than $4,000 was raised with 60 per cent of the proceeds going to MPCF as reward for their victory and the remaining 40 per cent directed to War Child.