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August 8, 2007 – The City of Mount Vernon, Mayor Ernest D. Davis, and Ben Gordon are set to open the 3rd Annual Ben Gordon Homecoming. This year, Ben’s homecoming has been expanded to a two-day event.
On Friday, August 24, and Saturday August 25, 2007, the city will host two days of activities designed to inspire and motivate the city’s young people and families.
“Ben Gordon’s commitment to his family, his deeply religious beliefs and his love of the Mount Vernon community were the motivating factors in determining this year’s theme,” said Mayor Davis. “We are happy and proud that Ben holds this community with such high regard and continually come back to provide our young people with encouragement through his involvement over the course of the weekend.”
Ben wowed the community when he played for the Mount Vernon High School Championship Knights. The city followed his rise at UConn, where he helped lead the way for the college to capture the 2004 NCAA Championship. When Ben was named the first rookie in NBA history to receive the Sixth Man of the Year Award during the 2004.05 season, the city stood as proud as his family.
“I am always happy to come home," said Gordon. "Mount Vernon has stood by me throughout my career. I can never forget the fundamentals I learned on the playgrounds in Mount Vernon and on the court of the high school under Coach Bob Cimmino.”
The festivities will begin on August 24 with a “Youthful Praise” inspirational concert featuring youth choirs, praise dancers, and motivational speakers. Friday’s activities are scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. on City Hall Plaza. Ben Gordon will be in attendance for the concert.
On August 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., a fun-filled day of family activities will be held in Mount Vernon’s Hartley Park (corners of East Lincoln & Gramatan Avenues – at the Roundabout). A family day festival will include 5 Star youth basketball clinics headed Coach Bob Cimmino and Nathan Plummer; NBA activities; a Women and Girls Fitness demonstration and workshop, as well as an exciting workshop, “The Game Behind the Game”, that will offer information on career opportunities off of the court. Ben’s annual basketball game will be coached by Ben Gordon and the New York Knicks’ Zach Randolph.
Registration for the basketball clinics is limited to 150 participants for each session on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications can be obtained at the Mount Vernon Recreation Department in City Hall (914.665.2420), the YMCA (914.668.4041) and the Boys and Girls Club (914.668.9580).
