Sideline Cancer hosts inaugural basketball clinic in Hollidaysburg

HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa. (WJAC) — Saturday morning, high school student Sydney Lear learned the game of basketball while playing for a bigger purpose.

"It's fun to be playing for a bigger cause, something bigger than basketball," she told 6 News.

She was joined by 60 other kids for the Sideline Cancer Day basketball clinic held at Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School.

The Griffith Foundation "Sideline Cancer" organization aims to push pancreatic cancer to the sidelines.

"We have lots of slogans here, but one is 'Together We Can.' When you bring people together, anything is possible."

That's what Billy Clapper -- General Manager of Sideline Cancer -- said about the inaugural clinic, which he hopes to continue year after year.

"We want to put in the hearts of young people that they can make a difference," he said.

During the basketball clinic, kids could learn from some of the best in the business.

Professional basketball player Maurice "Mo" Creek was there to teach participants his tips and tricks.

"It's everything that I could dream of - giving back to kids. I was always somebody that wanted to give back. I had the chance to do that, and I feel great about it," he said.

Former professional basketball player turned coach Charlie Parker also shared an important message with the kids:

"You can believe that you can do anything and that you can get better. It means so much based on what the cause is about, but it's now truly become a family," he said.

These kids will see their coaches on the big screen this summer -- in the annual TBT tournament -- broadcasted on ESPN.

Their Sideline Cancer team will be competing for a $1,000,000 winner-take-all prize.

"They got to go through drills and coaching from Mo and Charlie, and this summer, they're going to turn on their TV and see those guys represent Sideline Cancer and play for something bigger," Billy said.

Teaching kids to "Believe Always" in yourself and ending cancer.

"We're hoping for a day that we can say we put cancer on the sidelines," Billy said.

• Click here to visit Sideline Cancer's website for more information.
  
• Click here to visit Sideline Cancer's Facebook Page.
• Click here for more on The Basketball Tournament (TBT) happening in July.
  

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