Roanoke Sun

2023 Adam Ward Hoop Classic Set for February 3 & 4

"Adam Ward personified the true meaning of a student-athlete,” said Grant Smythers, Salem High School teacher and tournament co-founder. “He was a huge sports fan, who loved high school basketball, and the Adam Ward Basketball Classic will highlight some of the best teams in the state of Virginia each season.”

The event is being sponsored by various businesses and organizations throughout the Roanoke Valley and the majority of the proceeds from the event will go to the Adam Ward Scholarship Fund that is administered by the Salem Educational Foundation and Alumni Association. To date, the Adam Ward Classic has contributed over $80,000 dollars to the Adam Ward Scholarship Fund. In addition, the Adam Ward Classic Committee will be making donations to the Make a Wish Foundation and Special Olympics in Adam’s honor. 

“The money generated from this event will provide scholarship opportunities for high school students who were deemed Adam-like during their high school careers," Smythers said. “Salem High School is honored to once again host such a worthy event for such a special young man."

The Western Virginia Basketball Officials Association, which has supporting charitable causes for decades, has been instrumental in making the event a success each year.

“This is a great way to honor Adam Ward’s memory, as well as all of the others who have been touched and affected by his passing,” said WVBOA Commissioner, Jerry Spangler. “I think Adam would be pleased we are doing this through the game of basketball.”

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