Thirteen years ago, John Konowitz got a few high school coaches together and started the Judy’s Alzheimer’s Awareness Basketball Tournament.
His purpose was to give thanks to the many players and parents who would help watch over his wife – then starting to wander as she struggled with the disease – as he was coaching individual or team clinics on the court.
Since then the annual tournament has become a beloved start to the basketball season in Northern New York.
“Our goal is always to keep the money local and to benefit our youth,” Chris Korowitz said. ” Last year we were able to award scholarships of $500 each to 25 participating senior players, as well as donate $3,000 to the Third Age Alzheimer’s Day Care Center.
“Our goal this year is to award all players with $500 scholarships and $4,000 to the Day Care Center.”
Elizabethtown will play host to the girls games, which began Monday and continue Wednesday. AuSable Valley, Boquet Valley, Lake Placid and Moriah will be the teams participating.
A boys game will be played Dec. 27 in Moriah between Ti and Moriah.
“There will be 300 tournament t-shirts that each player, sponsor and volunteer will receive,” Korowitz said. “We hope you may wish to be included in that group.
“Last year we had over 150 sponsors give tax deductible donations ranging from $100 to $2,000. Our goal this year is to go over 200. Any amount you may wish to contribute would be greatly appreciated.”
They have an account with a non-profit organization to write the scholarship checks and receive your tax deduction.
The donated checks should be written to Oikos Ministries, Inc. and mailed to: Dievendorf and Company, 323 Delaware Ave., Delmar, NY 12054. Please note “Judy’s Tournament” on your check.
“Thank you in advance for your support,” Korowitz said. With your help, we will continue this tradition for years to come.
“As John would say, ‘It’ll be SUPER!'”