USA Basketball to host family of fallen military at games

Posted July 20, 2016 7:00 am

The Associated Press

LAS VEGAS (AP) - The U.S. Olympic basketball teams will host more than 350 family members of military who have died during their upcoming exhibition tours.

USA Basketball announced a partnership with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) on Wednesday, two days before its men's team begins its pre-Olympic schedule with a game in Las Vegas against Argentina.

Events will also be held surrounding men's games in Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston, and a women's game in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Besides tickets to the events, USA Basketball will have more than 75 surviving military children serve as ball kids and stand with players during national anthem performances.

TAPS was founded in 1994 to provide free support services to surviving Armed Forces family members. The Americans have strengthened their relationship with the military under USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo and coach Mike Krzyzewski, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, visiting bases and taking part in other activities with troops.

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.