Knockout Cancer tournament to raise money for Roswell

In just three years, Alexander Grano and his family have raised more than $12,000 for Roswell Park Cancer Institute through Ride For Roswell. Now he is recruiting the help of the community and challenging other youths to a knockout basketball tournament to raise additional funds.

Alexander thought it would be fun to get more youths involved in the fight against cancer, and his love for basketball spurred the idea for the event.

The free-throw shooting basketball game known as knockout was used to name the event, "Knockout Cancer." The tournament is open to youths ages 5-16. Participants will be grouped by age and then randomly assigned to a game with other players.

Each participant will play one 30-minute game of knockout and will be scheduled between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 2 at 36 Summershade Court in East Amherst.

Prizes will be awarded to the winners of each game, and all participants are eligible for second chance drawings for prizes. Donated prizes include free weeks at several area college summer basketball camps and items from the Harlem Globetrotter, NBA and the NCAA. Also, sports bags and basketballs will be given away.

There will also be a raffle for a Dunkstar Hoop donated by SnapSports.

Registration forms are available at www.rideforroswell. org under "Pedal Pals," and then click on Knockout Cancer Basketball Tournament. Register by May 20 to secure a spot.