Champions for Children July 10

The first Champions for Children basketball tournament will take

place Friday, July 10 through Sunday, July 12 at Scarborough High School to benefit children with developmental disabilities. The Franklin Community

Health Network (FCHN) Foundation Office and the Morrison Developmental Center are organizing the event and hope to raise $50,000 for two causes.

Beneficiaries will be the Morrison Developmental Center and the

Evergreen Child Development Center. Together they serve families affected by developmental disabilities from southern to west central Maine.

The tournament festivities will include guest appearances by the new Maine

Red Claws dance team. In addition, basketball player Patrick Thibodeau, a recent Greely High School graduate, will be on-hand Friday night to launch the festivities. He is the student with Down syndrome who managed the Greely basketball team and got his chance to play in the team’s final home game-nailing a three-pointer at the final buzzer-and receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.

There will be a high caliber of adult players from all over New England. Tournament games will be held Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m., with a performance by the Maine Red Claws dance team from 5 to 6 p.m. On Saturday games will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday tournament hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children, and those younger than 12 are free.

Ticket holders are eligible for prizes and concessions will be available.