Government officials raise $39,000 in annual charity basketball game.
Photo by: Andrew Crider
Andrew Crider
Print News editor
The Virginia House of Delegates and the Virginia State Senate hosted their 23rd annual “Capitol Square Basketball Challenge” At the STU Tuesday, Feb. 23.
The teams were comprised of the governor’s cabinet versus lobbyists and the House versus the Senate. The was the eighth consecutive year that the challenge has raised money for VCU’s Massey Cancer Center.
More than $39,000 was raised for the charity this year.
“This tournament is about bipartisanship,” Bea Gonzalez, the commissioner of the Capitol Square Basketball Challenge and lobbyist for Capital Results, said. “It’s just a great way for the senators and the house members to get a little energy out on the court. They are all friends.”
The governor’s team found a lead early on and maintained it throughout the game. NBA star and Richmond native Chris Copeland teamed up with VCU Basketball alumni Kendrick Warren on the governor’s team, contributing to a win of 52-40.
Delegate Alfonso Lopez, whose mother died from cancer over 14 years ago, was a member of the house’s basketball team. According to Lopez, it’s the silliness of the event that he appreciates.
“I’m perfectly willing to make a fool of myself every year as long as it’s for a good cause,” Lopez said.
The senators got up to an early nine point lead against the house. The House rebounded later on in the first half and made it to halftime with a lead of 21-11.
The House kept up their lead in the second half, ending the game with a 44-42 win.
