All in support of a good cause, students enjoyed some competitive action and entered raffles for prizes at the Femi Memorial Three-on-Three Basketball Tournament on Saturday, March 22. In memory of Olufemi "Femi" Paschal Ogunkorode, the games began at 10 a.m. in the Bobby Morgan Arena of the Athletic Recreation Center (ARC) and continued throughout the day.
Comprising USP students, alumni, and guests, 20 teams competed in the tournament for bragging rights and the first place $200 cash prize. Trophies were awarded to the top finishers, as well as $50 for the second-place team and a $50 gift certificate to any Steven Starr Restaurant for the tournament MVP.
However, competing on the hardwood wasn’t the only way to leave a winner. For donations of just one, three, or five dollars, attendees tried their luck at winning prizes in the ARC lobby. The raffle included autographed sports memorabilia, gift certificates, sports tickets, and electronics. Food was also available in the lobby.
All proceeds from the event went to benefit the Femi Memorial Fund. Started by Femi’s family in recognition of his impact, the Fund is an award given to a student who exemplifies Femi’s characteristics and qualities in life, may it be the classroom, at the ARC, in the community, or elsewhere.
Olufemi “Femi” Paschal Ogunkorode was a third-year pharmacy student, a friend and staff member of the ARC, honor student, and member of the USP tennis team. On March 23, 2006, Femi suddenly passed away at the young age of 20 years old. The loss was a devastating moment for the USP community, who will never forget the positive energy and enthusiasm he brought into the lives and hearts of everyone he met. He was a great achiever, a well-brought-up child, and a thoroughly hard-working young man. He was also a great role model to both his friends and family, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
For more information, or to make a donation to the Femi Memorial Fund, please visit the following link: http://www.usp.edu/arc/femimemorial/