SLAM DUNK THE STIGMA AROUND DISABILITIES WITH THE TITANS THIS THURSDAY

THE KW TITANS CELEBRATE EVERYONE IN OUR COMMUNITY, WITH AN ACCESSIBILITY FOCUSED GAME

This Thursday, March 12th, the KW Titans Professional Basketball club are welcoming all those in our region who live with or support those with a disability, in order to reduce the stigma around mental and physical disabilities. 

“This game we are changing our hashtag from #WeAreTitans to #WeAreAllTitans” said VP of Business Development Melissa Melnychuk.  “There is a very personal connection here for numerous members on our team.  Our assistant coach Ashley MacSporran’s niece Kate, has a very rare disease, Angelmen’s Syndrome. Kate’s mothers spearheaded the fundraising to make the Elmira Accessible park possible, through Kates Cause. Head coach Cavell Johnson’s Godson and owner of the Titans, Leon Martin’s Grandson both have Down Syndrome.  We also have an amazing fan, 9-year-old Keegan who was born with Down Syndrome and Deaf and started walking at halftime along the boards in the ends during the 2nd season.  The Titans team and fans have watched him grow over the 4 seasons we have been here. These special humans, and many others who attend our games, live in this region and are connected to our fans, are the reason we are hosting an inclusion game.”

The team has personally reached out to numerous organizations offering invites, group rates and even fundraising opportunities for this game specifically. They hope by spreading the word in the media those who have not been reached yet, will hear the message and join the team this Thursday for the inclusion game.  The Titans are proud to share that organizations like Kids Ability, Sunbeam Centre and Kate’s Kause will be in attendance.

Other feature at this game:

• The Bridges to Belonging Buddy Choir will be singing Oh Canada!
• The Olympics Ontario Basketball Team will be playing at half time
• Floor Level will be set up specially to be Wheelchair Accessible 
• Miss Petite Western Ontario Winner, Kelsey-Rose MacDonald, who lives with Autism, and is an activist for those with disabilities will be at our game for photos with the children

Tip-Off is set for 7pm, at the Kitchener AUD.

*Note: The floor will be wheelchair accessible, all you have to do is let the AUD know when purchasing tickets that you will be requiring to be on the floor and the entrance will be via the VIP under the main stairs of the AUD*

Coach Cavell Johnson and players will be available after the game on March 12th for interviews. For further information, contact Melissa Melnychuk at 510-497-0623 or email at melissa.melnychuk@kwtitans.com Tickets for the game can be purchased online through www.theaud.ca , www.kwtitans.com or at the box office. All general admission tickets purchased on the game day and pre-game day are $27.50 and $24.50 respectively, children (3-12) are $12, whereas the floor seats are for $85. Also, there will be a VIP suite for $600 for fans to have a courtside experience with a suite at the court level.