Ex-NBA stars, Raptors headline upcoming charity game in Toronto
If you’ve ever wanted a chance to suit up alongside Toronto Raptors players, you just might get that opportunity in a few weeks’ time.
But you’ll have to raise quite a few bucks before you get the chance.
Ten former NBA players—including several former Raptors—are scheduled to compete in the West Park Tournament of Stars in March. The event, which benefits the West Park Healthcare Centre Foundation, a specialized rehabilitative and complex care hospital in Toronto, will involve members of the public. Thirteen teams have registered to take part.
Each team interested must raise a minimum of $20,000 for a five-on-five team, with up to 10 players per team taking part.
And you’ll get the chance to draft at least one former NBA player onto your team.
Matt Bonner, Jerome “Junk Yard Dog” Williams, Jamario Moon, Jamaal Magloire, Carlos Boozer, Michael Bradley (not to be confused with the former Toronto FC star of the same name), Mario Chalmers, Mario West, Cuttino Mobley, and Corey Maggette are all scheduled to be in attendance, with more names to possibly be announced later.
The two-day event will occur on Friday, March 21, and Saturday, March 22, at the Goldring Centre on the University of Toronto campus. The games will be played on the Saturday, and the Friday night will feature the Celebrity Draft Party, an exclusive cocktail reception in which each former NBA player will be picked by competing teams.
But if you don’t think you’ve got the chops to raise $20,000 over the next few weeks, the tournament will still be open to the public interested in attending.
Tickets for the event are going for $25, though you can take part in the three-point competition for just $20.
Fifty days before the tournament, the organization has already raised $264,995, with a slated goal of $670,000.