Special Recreation Basketball Day Celebrates Tenth Anniversary

OAK LAWN, IL -- Come pack the house this Saturday, Jan. 19, for the tenth anniversary of the Oak Lawn Special Recreation Basketball Day games at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School. The high school-aged Oak Lawn Eagles and younger Junior Jordans will split their teams and square off against each other, with a half-time show presented by the Oak Lawn Pep Squad. Doors open at noon with opening ceremonies starting at 12:30 p.m. The teams will hit the court around 1 p.m.

Oak Lawn Special Recreation Basketball Day started 10 years ago in a small gym at St. Linus Catholic Church. Brother Rice, Mother McAuley and Marist high schools took turns hosting the event in the following years. From there it grew in both size and enthusiasm. This year, Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School, 5345 99th St., Oak Lawn (54th Avenue and 99th Street), happily agreed to host the games that draw players from Oak Lawn, Bridgeview, Burbank, Chicago Ridge, Crestwood, Evergreen Park, Hometown, Justice, Palos Hills and Summit.

This is an inspiring afternoon where the Junior Jordans and Eagles will not only be showing how well they can play the game of basketball, they’ll be raising money for the Special Recreation Athletic Support Association. Both teams have been practicing for the big game for weeks in anticipation of playing in front of a big crowd.

This year, Oak Lawn Special Recreation Basketball Day welcomes major sponsor Oak Lawn Bank and Trust, a Wintrust Community Bank, along with the Oak Lawn Park District and SRASA. Concessions will also be sold, featuring Palermo’s on 95th and hot dogs from Whittinghams Meat. There will also be Split the Pot and a big screen TV raffles. An attendance cash prize will be awarded to the three organizations that bring in the most fans, but you have to sign in at the PACK THE HOUSE table.

So come out, yell your head off and don’t forget to buy some raffle tickets.

Players and organizers from SRASA visit the Oak Lawn Village Board to promote the tenth anniversary special recreation basketball games on Jan. 19.