Local long-bombers are set to drain treys in the name of Matt Pearce.
On Saturday, members of the Prince George Pinoy Basketball League will hold a three-point shooting contest. The entry fee is $20, and half of the total amount collected will go to the Matt Pearce Memorial Fund. The other half will go to the sharpest shooter, though event organizer Ojay Uy wouldn't be surprised if the champion gives the winnings to the fund.
"Some of the (participants) said if they win they're just going to donate it anyway," Uy said. "It depends on whoever wins it I guess, but most of these guys are just out there for fun."
As of Thursday, 24 people had signed up to shoot. All of them are part of the eight-team Pinoy league - Pinoy being a colloquialism for Filipino. The league was established a few years ago when a large number of Filipino workers arrived in the city. Later, it was opened up to international students and other interested players.
Pearce, who died Jan. 23 from a heart-related issue, played and officiated in the PGPBL.
Originally, the three-point contest was going to be a fundraiser for the league. But, after Pearce died and the memorial fund was established, the focus changed. Within the PGPBL, Pearce was liked and respected by all.
"Matt was always instrumental in trying to get the community going," Uy said. "As it is, our mission statement for this league is not so much about winning but to enhance camaraderie among the multicultural communities, to connect with one another and their families and to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play."
The contest will start at 5 p.m. at the Connaught Youth Centre, located at 17th and Victoria. The centre is the home base of the PGPBL.
The intention of the Matt Pearce Memorial Fund is to establish scholarships and bursaries for Prince George high school graduates. Donations can be made through the Vancouver Foundation at www.vancouverfoundation.ca/mattpearce.
