ISIAH THOMAS ATTENDS 3rd ANNUAL PEACE LEAGUE TOURNAMENT
HOF Isiah Thomas and Bulls’ stars Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose Join Father Pfleger of St. Sabina Church to Provide Chicago’s Youth with Safe Play Spaces, Mentoring, and Employment Training Opportunities
The Faith Community of Saint Sabina begins its third year of the Peace League with support from co-founder Isiah Thomas and his foundation Mary’s Court. The Peace League, which kicks off its third year at the Tournament on Saturday, September 20th , encompasses youth basketball games, life skills classes, and mentoring, as well as offers young men the opportunity to take GED classes, employment training, and participate in internships. In the wake of violence in Chicago and across the country, this year’s Peace League will be increasingly important to galvanize the community and reduce crime. Since the Peace League began, there has been a dramatic drop in violence in the area.
Father Michael Pfleger of The Faith Community of Saint Sabina Church, said, “Isiah’s sponsorship of the Peace League shows his commitment to these young men, the belief that he has in them, and his encouragement for them to reach their God given potential.”
“It has given us the opportunity to bring young people together in a safe environment, put them in the hands of the right people, so they will choose a different path. The hard courts provide common ground for the players to communicate, bond, and build relationships. When they walk off the court, they have a healthier respect for one another and they’re not as inclined to hurt each other,” Thomas said. “Seeing the young men from The Peace League, I remain inspired and encouraged by their resilience, and I am proud to work alongside Father Pfleger to help our young people pursue opportunities in basketball, in academics and in life.”
Also in attendance for Saturday’s games will be NBA players Will Bynum, Joakim Noah, Jannero Pargo, Jeremy Pargo, Jabari Parker, Sonny Parker, Zach Randolph, Derick Rose, and Antione Walker and community leaders.
The Peace Tournament will be held at The Ark of Saint Sabina, 7800 South Racine. Program begins at 1:00pm and tipoff is at 1:20pm.
Schedule of Events:
WHAT: 2014 University of Illinois Chicago Forum
Panelist for Morning Panel #2 Envisioning Smart Neighborhoods: Old School, New School, or No School?
WHEN: Thursday, September 18, 2014, 11:00am-12:15pm
WHERE: University of Chicago Illinois: 725 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60607
WHAT: Presenting Isiah Thomas and Mary Thomas Scholarships to Essay Winners
WHEN: Friday, September 19, 2014, 10:00am
WHERE: South Shore International College Prep High School, 1955 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60649
WHAT: Marillac Social Center 100th Year Celebration & Gym Grand Opening
WHEN: Saturday, September 20, 2014, 10:00am
WHERE: Marillac Social Center: 212 S. Francisco Ave., Chicago, IL 60612
WHAT: 3rd Annual Peace League Tournament Kick-off
WHEN: Saturday, September 20, 2014, 1:00pm
WHERE: St. Sabina Church: 1210 W 78th Pl, Chicago, IL 60620
To request a one-on-one interview with Isiah Thomas, please contact Emma Christman at (202) 351-1112 or emma.christman@deweysquare.com.
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