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Honoring and celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Danny Rumph Classic and recognizing its ongoing commitment to heart health awareness, community empowerment, and Philadelphia's rich basketball legacy.
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WHEREAS, The Danny Rumph Classic, presented by the Daniel E. Rumph II Foundation, celebrates its 20th year from Thursday, August 7, 2025, to Monday, August 11, 2025, marking two decades of community, competition, and cause-driven commitment to saving lives through heart health awareness; and
WHEREAS, The Classic was founded in 2006 in memory of Danny Rumph, a beloved Philadelphia basketball player who tragically passed away in 2005 at the age of 21 from sudden cardiac arrest caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, following a pickup game at the Rumph-Mallery Recreation Center, which now bears his name; and
WHEREAS, Since its founding by Danny's mother, Viola "Candy" Owens, his uncle Marcus Owens, Sharif Hanford, Mike Morak, and close friends, the Classic has grown into a nationally recognized event that uses basketball as a vehicle to provide free heart screenings, distribute Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), and educate the public on CPR and AED use, especially in underserved communities across Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, The Danny Rumph Classic exemplifies the spirit of Philadelphia basketball, often referred to as the "Philadelphia basketball barbecue," showcasing NBA stars, while also serving as a platform for middle and high school athletes, women's pro players, and youth clinics; and
WHEREAS, In partnership with leading sponsor Nike and countless volunteers, the tournament has become a vital health initiative that saves lives, having screened hundreds of youth athletes over the years and consistently identifying heart conditions that may have otherwise gone undetected; and
WHEREAS, The Classic has transformed grief into purpose, with Viola Owens stating, "It represents my son, what he loves, and it also helps us to save the next brig...
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