Via All-Stars Announced
February 20, 2009

BETHLEHEM, PA – The teams have been picked and the match-ups set for what promises to a riveting day of end-to-end, high-spirited basketball for this year’s Via All-Star Classic.   One hundred of the best players in the greater Lehigh Valley have been chosen to represent their high schools in the 34th annual Via All-Star Basketball Classic which raises funds for Via of the Lehigh Valley’s programs for adults and children with disabilities.  The Via All-Star Classic is presented by East Penn Bank.

Via Super Saturday will be held at Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem.  Via Super Saturday is March 28, 2009 and games begin at 10:30am.

"Northampton Community College is thrilled to be hosting this prestigious event,” said Troy Tucker, NCC Director of Athletics & Physical Education.

“Not only does it afford us the opportunity to have some of the best high school basketball talent in the Lehigh Valley on our campus, it allows the college to support Via in their effort to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities.  As a parent of a child with a developmental disability and a former basketball coach, this event has an extra special meaning for me."

The Via All-Star Classic Banquet returns to Freedom High School on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 6pm to honor the Via All-Stars.  The Via Teams of the Year, Players of the Year and Scholar Athletes will be announced at the banquet.

In addition, the Lehigh Valley High School Basketball Hall of Fame will induct four new members at the Via All-Star Banquet.  Hall of Fame inductees were announced earlier this week and information on this year’s class can be found at www.ViaNet.org.

A media panel selected the Via All-Star teams, Players of the Year, Teams of the Year and participants for the Coordinated Health 3-Point Shooting contest.  The Via All-Star selection panel is made up of one representative from the Via All-Star Basketball Classic committee and invited representatives from each of the following sports departments: Blue Ridge Cable TV-13, East Penn Press, The Express Times, Lehighton Times News, The Morning Call, RCN, Service Electric TV 2, WFMZ and the Pocono Record.

“The Via All-Star Classic raises money for Via’s employment programs which help people with disabilities, like autism and Down syndrome, find successful employment in our community,” said Brent Peters, president of East Penn Bank.

“We at East Penn Bank are committed to promoting growth and development in our communities and work to preserve and enhance the quality of life in each of the communities we serve.  We are proud to partner with Via for this great community event.”
 
Via of the Lehigh Valley is a non-profit agency that provides services for children and adults with disabilities, like autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.  Serving the community since 1954, Via helps individuals and families from birth through retirement focusing in Children’s Services, Community Connections and Employment.

Via works with children up to age three in their homes and daycares to address disabilities and delays.  Via finds jobs in the community for adults and provides coaching and training for successful employment.  And Via helps people, from teens to those at retirement age, connect and live in their community by volunteering, participating in leisure activities, and finding or purchasing affordable, accessible housing.   Via believes that personal satisfaction and dignity are achieved through individual success and independence and is committed to helping people live full and productive lives.  Visit www.ViaNet.org to learn more about Via’s services.

For more information, contact:
Lisa Walkiewicz, Communications Director
L.Walkiewicz@vianet.org | 484-893-5390