IMG Basketball Academy to Help Shoot Down Cancer

IMG Basketball Academy along with legendary coach and analyst Dick Vitale will host the Shoot Down Cancer Free Throw Shootout on Saturday to help fight cancer and raise awareness about healthy living in young people,

The event was scheduled during breast cancer awareness month and will benefit breast cancer awareness as well as raise money for The V Foundation for Cancer Research, started in 1993 by NC State basketball coach Jim Valvano. A relatively young organization, the V Foundation has raised more than $100 million and awarded cancer research grants in nearly 40 states.

Shoot Out participants will shoot 150 free throws while raising money based on donations contributed.  Anyone can be a part of the event by pledging per free throw, giving a lump sum or by signing up to participate. All players and coaches of the IMG Basketball Academy will participate in the shootout.  Another 40 slots are available for those who want to be free throw stars for at least a day.

In addition to the free throw shootout, guests will have the opportunity to honor loved ones who have fought or are currently fighting cancer by writing their name on commemorative basketballs that will then become a part of a permanent “Shoot Down Cancer Memory Wall.” 

All participants will receive Shoot Down Cancer award medals and Under Armour performance shirts.  A handful of prizes will be given out to both participants and to guests in the crowd.  

Visit the IMG Basketball Academy's website for more information on the event or go to the online donation page to contribute.

Saturday's event schedule:

8:00 a.m. Gym opens and registration begins
8:40 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Opening comments and viewing of the Jimmy V ESPY speech
9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 1st Half: 80 free throws per person
11:30 a.m. to noon: Halftime
Noon to 2:30 p.m. 2nd Half: 70 free throws per person
2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Awards presentation