Winter weather proved to be a re-scheduling impossibility for most during this year’s 10th Annual Chance Harman Memorial Fund Classic Basketball Tournament. Games were scheduled for Friday and Saturday in early January, but many teams were not able to make the trip due to snow and ice. With twelve games and a Slam Dunk contest scheduled for the weekend, many were disappointed the games had to be cancelled. One game was completed on Friday, as well as the Slam Dunk contest. Winner of the Slam Dunk Contest was Keyshaw Bryant from Huntington Prep.
One particular game that was most disappointing to miss was Massanutten versus Hargrave. Coach Brian Harman was able to reschedule the game for Tuesday night, January 31st at 6:30 pm in the Floyd County High School Gymnasium. As a thank you for local support over the past ten years, special admission is being provided. Admission is $5. The price includes a single raffle ticket for more than 50 items to be given away during the game including a 4 or 5 night Caribbean cruise for two. “It’s all about the kids,” said Coach Harman. “Floyd County students, wearing any form of ‘Chance Harman Memorial Fund’ item, will get in free. If you don’t have an item, an assortment will be available at the door for $5 or less,” said Brian. “We want to thank everyone in advance for coming out and showing our support to these two teams returning to make up the game.
The Chance Harman Memorial Fund provides a dozen scholarships to students from teams that participate in the Classic. Over the years they have awarded scholarships totaling over $75,000. “This year may not be as large as we have been able to provide in the past since the main event was cancelled. We are hoping to raise more money on January 31st for scholarships.” In addition, the Chance Harman Memorial Fund raises money for cancer research. Dr. Sridharan Gururangan, of Duke University, was instrumental in Chance’s treatments. “While the funds are strictly used for research, It’s good to know that we raised awareness and hopefully provided another fighting day for a child in need,” said Desirae Harman, Chance’s mother.
**The FCHS Basketball team will be there on Tuesday cheering on their favorite and they hope to have a large crowd in support. Raffle items, including a Flat Screen Television, a 5 day cruise and dozens of other items will be announced. Those tickets purchased during the earlier event will be included in the drawings. Game time is 6:30pm.**