OCEAN CITY BASKETBALL CLASSIC TO BENEFIT ATLANTIC GENERAL HOSPITAL'S JOHN H. "JACK" BURBAGE JR. REGIONAL CANCER CARE CENTER

Berlin, Md. –The 44^th Annual Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Ocean City Basketball Classic will be held in Ocean City June 21 -23 to benefit the John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center for the Atlantic General Campaign for the Future.

Tournament Director Lynn Smack, a Berlin native, wanted to do something for cancer care locally. Many of his family members’ lives have been affected by the disease, which is why this tournament will be a dedication to cancer survivors.

“I attended my cousin, Al “Hondo” Handy’s retirement celebration at Seacrets in April and saw his focus on the cancer center at Atlantic General Hospital. This inspired me to make my own contribution to the community,” stated Smack.

A $15 donation for each three-point basket made during the tournament will be donated to the Burbage Regional Cancer Care Center.

Smack started this tournament in 1980 when it was called the Berlin Basketball Classic, with only eight teams. The tournament was later moved to Ocean City and has grown to more than 80 boys and girls teams, attracting participants from as far away as Denmark. The tournament is sanctioned by AAU and has been recognized by AAU as one of the top elite tournaments in the country.

The Ocean City Basketball Classic has contributed to many organizations and individuals over the years, including churches, scholarships and book drives.

For more information about the tournament, visit www.oceancitybasketballclassic.org