Newtown Team Coming to Mahwah for Sandy Hook Game

The message of a basketball game happening in Mahwah this Sunday is simple – don’t forget the , and do what you can to offer the community support.

The girls basketball team from Newtown High School will be in town for what will likely prove to be an emotional game against the team from the Saddle River Day School this Sunday. Organizers hope the game will show support for the nearby Connecticut town, which suffered a loss of 26 innocent victims in a school shooting in December.

According to representatives from SRDS, the idea for the game started when the Saddle River Rebels decided to take part in Threes for Sandy Hook, a fundraising program started by the Newtown Nighthawks Girls Varsity Basketball team.

The fundraiser is simple - for every three-point shot made at a game during the season, a three-dollar donation is made to a fund that supports the community of Newtown. SRDS is one of over 500 teams across the region who signed on to dedicate their season to helping Sandy Hook.

But, according to SRDS Athletic Director Danny Brown, the basketball team wanted to do something more.

“Throughout this whole fundraiser, the [coach from Newtown] and I have become good friends,” Brown told Patch. “Here, we were looking for an avenue to get our girls involved and help out. There, they needed to know that people were out there doing something.”

So, the two came up with a plan – have the basketball teams from the two schools meet for a fundraising game that will not only raise money, but will connect locals with the community in Newtown.

The Nighthawks are expected to arrive in Bergen County this Saturday afternoon. They will spend the entire day with the Rebels – the girls and their families are even staying in the same hotel.

“The itinerary we have for them is amazing,” Brown said.

The game is happening at Ramapo College this Sunday. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., and tip off is at 12 p.m. There is no fee to get in, but organizers are asking attendees to bring a $5 donation for kids and a $10 donation for adults.

Brown said he expects a large showing of support from local residents at the game.

“This is becoming a huge thing, which is great,” he said.

In addition to local residents, the township is making moves to support the event, and Newtown, as well. At a meeting Thursday night, Mahwah Mayor Bill Laforet declared Sunday 'Support Sandy Hook Day" in the township. Laforet read a proclamation commending the Newtown community for its strong spirit, and urging Mahwah citizens to show their support.

Get more information about the game in the attached flier.

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