Dear Potential Sponsor,
The 16th Annual Unity Games will take place on March 24th and 25th of 2018 and we are excited to welcome a new group of children. As in years past, the Games will include participants from the greater metropolitan area, New Jersey and Washington D.C. The Unity Games have grown each year since their inception, and we expect approximately 500 children to participate in 2018.
The Unity Games are an educational program, not a basketball tournament. The Games use basketball as a vehicle for bringing children of different races and cultures together. They are about understanding and tolerance of someone different. Non-biased, professional outcome survey data has demonstrated that these Games positively affect our participants’ lives. Fears are erased and lasting friendships are made.
The Games are free and open to all qualifying participants. Every 6th, 7th and 8th grade boy and girl who applies is accepted. Two weeks before the Games, we hold a team selection event, where we create teams equally balanced to achieve racial and ethnic diversity. At the Unity Games, adult volunteer coaches lead their teams through two days of intensive interactive educational workshops, basketball games, and clinics. The workshops are directed by skilled educators, and include such topics as cultural sensitivity, gang awareness, internet safety, health and welfare, overcoming obstacles, and bullying. A game room is provided for socialization. An annual Unity Games banner is created by the joint effort of every participant, symbolizing their united achievement. Every participant who completes the Games comes out a winner and participants remain involved after the Games, with a majority of our volunteers made up of alumni of the program.
The success of the Unity Games has received national attention in the New York Times, Sports Illustrated, and many other outlets. Celebrities such as Willis Reed, Dave DeBusschere, Walt Frazier and many others have participated and supported the Games.
The Unity Games are an expensive endeavor. Transportation is provided along with two days of breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks. Uniforms including shorts, socks, and t-shirts are provided, along with prizes and gift bags.
The Unity Games are supported exclusively by foundations and private contributions from people like you. Your generous contribution will make the 16th Annual Unity Games a wonderful success. Our plan is to one day make the Unity Games a national event, with venues across the country. To accomplish this goal, we need your help!
Please review our website to learn more about our remarkable program, or feel free to contact us for additional information. Only your support will make it possible for the Unity Games to continue to grow and accomplish its exciting mission. THANK YOU!
Sincerely,
Mark Sherman M.D.
Co-Founder, Unity Games
