In sports, every inch can make a difference.  The margin between victory and defeat has become dependent on the execution of the little intangibles.  Many games in the history of the game of basketball have been determined at the free throw line.  While shots at the charity stripe are simple and uncontested, the impact they have on the game is exceptional.  While sports pale in comparison to the fight against cancer, the importance of free throws offers a reminder of the importance of the small things.  The fight of cancer depends on raising money and awareness through small acts of generosity and kindness.  While one dollar may not seem to hold much weight, that dollar makes a difference.  Every dollar, much like every free throw, can influence the outcome.

In an effort to help in the fight against cancer and to raise awareness about healthy living in young people, the IMG Basketball Academy along with legendary coach and analyst Dick Vitale will host the Shoot Down Cancer Free Throw Shootout on October 15th, 2011.  Members of the Basketball Academy and other individuals will be shooting free throws to raise money for the V Foundation for Cancer Research.  100% of proceeds from this event will be donated to the V Foundation as part of the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Grants.

Event Details:

Participants
80 Members of the IMG Basketball Academy
40 Members from the IMG Academies and Bradenton/Sarasota Communities

Registration and Participation
To register for the event, please download and complete the “Shoot Down Cancer Registration Form in the box at the right.  This form can be used for the following purposes:

• Registering to participate as a community shooter in the event*
• Make a monetary donation

*only 40 spots are available for community members.  Sign up quickly!

Structure
Each of the 12 baskets at the IMG Basketball Academy will consist of a 10-person team.  In a round, each person on each team will shoot 20 free throws.  Once all ten members of each team have completed the 20 free throws, teams will rotate to another hoop in the gym.  Each hoop will include a cancer fact aimed to help raise awareness for all participants.

Prizes
Awards will be given to the following participants:

• Top 5 Individuals
• Top “Hoop” Team
• All participants will receive a medal for their involvement and support

Event Schedule

Some may ask why simply shooting free throws will take nearly 6 hours.  The answer is simple: the structure of the event promotes patience and supporting others.  These characteristics are symbolic of the characteristics exhibited by those who have battled cancer.  Making progress in the fight against cancer takes time, patience, and persistence.  Shoot Down Cancer will take time, patience, and persistence.

Please join us in helping in the fight against cancer.  To make a donation to the IMG Basketball Academy Shoot Down Cancer event, please visit our online donation page by clicking here. To make a donation by check, please mail check to the address at right.  Thank you for your participation and support of the IMG Basketball Academy Shoot Down Cancer Free Throw Shootout.

Please direct any questions to:

Danny DuChene- Shoot Down Cancer Organizer
danieljduchene@gmail.com
507.412.3525

Nate Vander Sluis- Head Junior National Coach
Nate.Vandersluis@imgworld.com
941.752.2625

Blake Ulrich- IMG Academies Director of Events
Blake.ulrich@imgworld.com