Pittsfield's City Basketball Championship Event to Honor Vets, Service Personnnel

PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- The Pittsfield Public Schools Athletic Department is pleased to announce that the annual City Championship Basketball Series, between Pittsfield High School and Taconic High School, will resume  Friday, Jan. 22, at Pittsfield High School. 

 

The City Championship battle taking place on Friday will consist of a quadruple-header featuring the varsity and junior varsity boys and girls teams representing both schools. The Pittsfield High School basketball programs are proud to use these games as an opportunity to demonstrate their appreciation for the efforts and service of our nation’s military.

 

In collaboration with Soldier On, and other local veteran services organizations, the Pittsfield High basketball programs will dedicate Friday’s games to local veterans, as well as active duty troops. In addition to free admission being offered to veterans, active duty, and reserve military personnel, a variety of other activities are planned – including a pre-game performance by the VFW Color Guard, performances by the PHS Band, and proceeds from the PHS Booster Club 5050 raffle being donated to Soldier On.

 

“This event not only honors Armed Forces and veterans for their service and sacrifice to our country, but it also gives them the opportunity to watch Pittsfield’s student-athletes in action," Pittsfield boys basketball coach Steve Ray said. “As they mature, our local high school athletes realize that their freedom and privileges can be linked to the efforts and sacrifices of our military men, woman, and families”.

 

The schedule for Friday’s event is as follows:

4 p.m., junior varsity girls 

5:30, junior varsity boys

7, varsity girls

8:15, VFW Color Guard

8:30, arsity boys 

 

Soldier On is a private nonprofit organization committed to ending veteran homelessness.  The organization works in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies to provide veterans with shelter and support in an environment that offers dignity, integrity, and most importantly, hope. For more information about Soldier On, visit www.wesoldieron.org.