P.A.S.S. Basketball Marathon

- Payne, OH 45880

In Ohio, community spirit and a passion for sports often go hand-in-hand, creating unique events that bring people together for a great cause. In the small town of Payne, that spirit is perfectly captured by the P.A.S.S. Basketball Marathon. This is not a typical gym in the traditional sense, but rather a significant annual charity event that transforms a local gymnasium into a hub of activity and goodwill. The P.A.S.S. Basketball Marathon is a 24-hour basketball tournament dedicated to raising money for a vital local non-profit, the Paulding Area Support Society. This society provides essential equipment and services to medically challenged and disabled residents of Paulding County who cannot afford them. For over four decades, this event has served as a powerful testament to the community's generosity and its commitment to helping neighbors in need. This article will delve into the details of this long-standing tradition, highlighting what makes it such a special and worthwhile event for local residents to participate in or support.

The P.A.S.S. Basketball Marathon embodies the very best of community collaboration. It’s an event where people of all ages come together with one common goal: "playing ball for those who can't." The atmosphere is one of camaraderie and sportsmanship, with a focus on fun and charity over fierce competition. The event committee works tirelessly to make the marathon an enjoyable experience for both players and fans, and its success is a direct result of the community's continued support. The dedication of the committee members and the willingness of local businesses and individuals to participate year after year showcases the strong bonds within Payne and the greater Paulding County area. This is a place where you can not only enjoy a game of basketball but also feel a profound sense of purpose, knowing that your participation directly contributes to a noble cause. It is this unique, charity-driven identity that sets the P.A.S.S. Basketball Marathon apart from any other type of "gym" or athletic facility.

The P.A.S.S. Basketball Marathon takes place in the Payne Elementary School gymnasium, located in Payne, OH 45880, USA. While not a permanent, year-round gym, this location serves as the central hub for the event. The use of a local school facility underscores the community-oriented nature of the marathon, as it is a place that is already familiar and central to many residents. The event is a temporary gathering, bringing participants and spectators to a common place to support the Paulding Area Support Society. The convenience of the location within the town of Payne makes it easy for locals to come and go, whether they are playing a game or just stopping by to cheer on their favorite teams. For those looking to participate, the entry forms and event details are typically made available through local channels, such as the Village of Payne website and local newspapers like the West Bend News and Paulding Progress.

The core service of the P.A.S.S. Basketball Marathon is, of course, the 24-hour basketball tournament itself. It is a highly structured event with specific rules to ensure fair play and maximize fun. It is divided into different divisions based on age and gender, allowing everyone from mini-tots to adults to participate. The objective is for teams to play consecutive games for approximately 24 hours, with each game lasting 24 minutes. The services are centered on organizing and facilitating this event, which in turn serves the greater purpose of fundraising for the Paulding Area Support Society. While it is not a traditional gym that offers memberships or daily classes, it provides a powerful and meaningful service to the community. Participants are encouraged to have a great time and score as many points as possible, with awards given to the top-ranking teams in various divisions.

• 24-Hour Basketball Tournament Games
• Team-based competition in various divisions (Mini-Tots, Tots, Mini-Youth, Youth, Women, Co-Ed, and Men)
• Fundraising for the Paulding Area Support Society
• Community-wide charity event

The features and highlights of the P.A.S.S. Basketball Marathon are a direct result of its unique mission. This is not a gym with standard amenities, but a special event that provides a number of valuable highlights that are centered around its charitable purpose. The event has been running for decades, a testament to its success and the enduring commitment of the community. Its key features are less about equipment and more about the impact it has on the lives of others, making it a truly unique and important fixture in the community. The focus on sportsmanship and community gives it a friendly and welcoming atmosphere that encourages participation from all.

• An annual 24-hour marathon format that creates a high-energy, continuous event.
• Multiple divisions for all age groups, making it a true family and community event.
• The primary goal of raising money for the Paulding Area Support Society, a local non-profit.
• Awards given to the winning teams in each division.
• Strong emphasis on sportsmanship and having fun.
• A long-standing tradition with decades of history in the community.

For more information about participating in or supporting the P.A.S.S. Basketball Marathon, you can reach out to the organizing committee. The entry forms and contact information are typically made available on the Village of Payne website or through local news outlets. While a single main phone number for the entire event is not provided, you can reach out to individual committee members. For example, a previous year's entry form listed a contact for Clint Reinhart at 419-494-5570. The general email for the marathon committee is basketball24hour@yahoo.com. This direct line of communication ensures that you can get all the necessary information, from entry deadlines to event details. The event is a unique opportunity to give back and be a part of a powerful local tradition.

For residents of Payne and the wider Paulding County in Ohio, the P.A.S.S. Basketball Marathon is an event that is absolutely worth supporting. While it is not a traditional gym, it serves a purpose far greater than personal fitness: it builds a stronger, more compassionate community. The opportunity to play basketball for a cause, and to directly help disabled and medically challenged residents of your own county, is a deeply rewarding experience. The multi-generational appeal, with divisions for players of all ages, makes it a true family affair. It's a place where you can compete, have fun, and make a tangible difference in the lives of your neighbors. In a world where it can be easy to feel disconnected, this marathon provides a powerful way to connect with others and contribute to a shared goal. For anyone who loves basketball and wants to give back to their community, the P.A.S.S. Basketball Marathon is not just a game, but a worthy and meaningful tradition to be a part of.

P.A.S.S. Basketball Marathon

Payne, OH 45880, USA