Mount Prospect school to host annual basketball tournament
St. Raymond School Athletic Association will host the 10th annual eighth-grade Joey Sykes Boys Basketball Tournament Jan. 16-19. The tournament features Gold and Silver levels of competition with 16 teams competing over the course of the weekend.
More than 160 boys will participate representing teams from: St. Anne (Barrington); Queen of All Saints, St. Tecla, St. Monica Academy and St. Eugene (Chicago); St. Alphonsus (Prospect Heights); Holy Family (Inverness); St. Joseph (Libertyville); Lincoln P.E. (Park Ridge); and Holmes Junior High, Lincoln Junior High, River Trails Junior High, and three St. Raymond (Mount Prospect) teams.
All games are open to the general public and will be held at the Parish Life Center (school gym) at the corner of Lincoln and I-Oka in Mount Prospect.
“Joey Sykes was a St. Raymond student who waged a three-and-a-half year battle against neuroblastoma cancer with courage, optimism, and a spirit that brought the St. Raymond community together during his life, and that lives on today,” said Peter Lambesis, tournament director.
“Joey passed on in 2004 at the age of 7. That same year, the eighth-grade class of 2004 started the Joey Sykes Tournament honoring their fellow student. Joey’s life on earth and the challenges he faced continue to teach kids and adults alike about friendship and unconditional love.
“We are anticipating a great turnout for this year’s tournament with some very competitive teams,” continued Lambesis.
“It’s a special tournament for the eighth-grade class, the players, and everyone involved, as we are all exposed to the positive impact Joey and his family had and continue to have in our community. There will be 24 games, two 3-point shooting contests, cheerleaders, a bake sale and a raffle. All tournament proceeds will be donated to the Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation in honor of Joey Sykes.”
Named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2009, St. Raymond School, as a parish elementary school (Pre-K though 8), is an integral part of the Faith Community of Saint Raymond de Penafort in Mount Prospect.
For details, call (847) 253-8555 or visit www.st-raymond.org.
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