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March 25, 2006

Democrats, Republicans battle on the basketball court at Gallaudet University

From: Gallaudet - USA - Mar 25, 2006

Party lines play ball

Democrats, Republicans battle on the basketball court at Gallaudet University

(WASHINGTON) Gallaudet University will host the 12th Biennial Congressional Basketball Classic at 7 p.m., March 28 in the university’s Field House.

Since its inception in 1987, the game pits Democrats against Republicans to see which party dominates the hardwood. NBA Legends Bob Lanier and Mike Glenn will again serve as honorary coaches. The team captains are Congressman Mike Oxley (R-Ohio) for the Fighting Elephants (Republicans) and Congressman Ron Kind (D-Wisc.) for the Dunkin’ Donkeys (Democrats).

The 2004 Classic was a nail-biter. At first, the Democrats were winning. Then the Republicans pulled ahead. Just as time was running out, the Democrats scored, winning 26-25.

Earlier in the day at 1 p.m., Lanier and Glenn will take part in a basketball clinic with children from the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School. Joining the duo are Jim DeStefano, head coach of the university’s men’s varsity basketball team, and Kitty Baldridge, women’s varsity basketball head coach.

The clinic is part of the NBA Cares program, the league's global community outreach initiative that builds on the NBA's long tradition of addressing important social issues. Over the next five years, the league, players and teams will raise and contribute $100 million for charity, donate more than 1 million hours of hands-on volunteer service to communities around the world, and build more than 100 places where kids can learn and play.

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About Gallaudet University
Gallaudet University is the world leader in liberal education and career development for deaf and hard-of-hearing undergraduate students. The University enjoys an international reputation for the outstanding graduate programs it provides deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing students, as well as for the quality of the research it conducts on the history, language, culture, and other topics related to deaf people. In addition, the University’s Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center serves deaf and hard-of-hearing children at its two demonstration schools and throughout the nation by developing, implementing, and disseminating innovative educational strategies. Gallaudet is located in Washington, DC.