In a classic rivalry, the Columbus Police Department and Columbus Fire and Rescue will duke it out on the basketball court Friday to raise money for cancer research.
The game, which is one of four that begins at 7 p.m. Friday, is part of the “Slam Dunk on Cancer” tournament at Columbus High School gymnasium Friday and all day Saturday to benefit the American Cancer Society”s Relay for Life.
Now in its third year, the tournament brings teams, including teams from other police and fire departments, from as far away as Tennessee to compete in the “friendly competition,” said police Community Relations Officer Rhonda Sanders.
Sanders, who is organizing the tournament, said the event will memorialize the two Columbus officers who have died of cancer, Tommy King and Ralph Hall, and others who have survived.
Her own experiences with the often-deadly disease has motivated her to organize the event, she said.
“My dad is a cancer survivor of seven years now,” she continued. “That”s one of my biggest motivations to raise money for a cure.”
This year, one of the toughest hurdles to overcome has been finding referees, she said, adding that time spent refereeing games is tax deductible.
Last year, $800 of the proceeds went to pay referees, who overcharged for their services, she said.
The $3 audience entry fee and proceeds from the concessions stand will go to cancer research, as well as the $150 team registration fee.
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