April Emory
January 07, 2005The Elizabeth City State University athletic department will hold the 2005 King-Witherspoon Basketball Classic Saturday, January 15 at the R.L. Vaughan Center in Elizabeth City, NC. The "Classic", which is sponsored by McDonald’s will benefit the ECSU Foundation’s efforts to support the University Choir’s trip to Nigeria in addition to student scholarships. It is held to honor the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King and W.C. Witherspoon, whom both dedicated their lives to the fight for equality of all people. Witherspoon, who was a co-founder of the Elizabeth City Hope Group, was a former county commissioner here in Pasquotank County. A longtime educator, "Mr. Spoon" as he was affectionately called by some, was instrumental in helping the relations of area schools during the first years of integration. At last year’s event, ECSU welcomed a packed house as the Vikings hosted Fayetteville State University. This year’s opponent will be division rival Virginia State University with the action beginning at 2 p.m. as the Lady Vikings take on the Lady Trojans followed by the men’s teams at 4 p.m. McDonald’s ® is this year’s major sponsor providing 2,000 FREE tickets for school age children primarily from North Eastern North Carolina and Southeastern Virginia. Bill Taylor, an owner/operator of McDonald’s Restaurants in the Elizabeth City area commented on the partnership saying, "McDonald’s is proud to sponsor an event that not only honors exceptional athletes, but also benefits a great cause." For this special day, admission is $4 if purchased by 3 p.m. Group leaders will be admitted free and school ID will be required for individual student tickets at the door. After 3 pm, regular admission will be $8. Courtesy of McDonald’s ® , all students with a valid ID will be admitted free. For more information, call the office of Alumni Affairs at 1-877-687-2476 or 335-3224 or fax requests to 252-335-3489.
