Attention all wrestling and basketball fans, there is an event coming to Kelowna that you won’t want to miss.
Invasion championship Wrestling and the Okanagan College Basketball Program are joining forces to bring locals a night of theatrics and adrenaline pumping athleticism all for a great cause.
The newest addition to the Okanagan College sports program is a self-funded one, meaning the athletes and coaching staff have more than just winning games to worry about.
Now in the program’s sophomore year, members are mustering up new and exciting ways to bolster their teams.
“After seeing the [Invasion] posters around town, I thought “This looks like fun” and I just approached them and asked, “Is there any way we can do this and maybe use it to make some funds for our program?” and they jumped on board.” said Dino Gini, President of the Kelowna College Basketball Society.
No strangers to philanthropy, co-founders of Invasion, Mike Chisholm and Mike Rizzo, have hosted a number of fundraisers for local charities like Mama’s For Mama’s, but were blown away by the basketball program’s initiative.
“We had been approached by charities before, but this was the first time they were really serious and stepped up,” said Chisholm.
“We really believe in the OC Coyotes, we really want them to succeed, and we know that the undertaking the players have is immense, they aren’t just basketball players, but role models and fundraisers for their brand and team,” added Chisholm.
Funding a sports team is no small feat, however, members of the OC Coyotes Basketball program are determined to work hard to make their hopes and dreams a reality all the while strengthening their bond with the community.
“Each player has five tickets they have to sell for the event. That means they have to get out there and deal with our community and look for support, which is just another thing we’ve thrown onto their laps, but they’re all gung-ho,” said Gini.
The event is set to take place on Friday, September 14 and will feature all the usual action and drama you’d come to expect from an Invasion show but with the added hype of welcoming WWE alumni, Val Venis, to the ring.
“Invasion is a live, interactive performance for all ages, and if you want to have a different type of good time, this event is a lot of fun,” said Chisholm.
Single tickets are $15 or four for $50 and $35 for VIP with all proceeds going directly to the Coyotes Men’s and Women’s basketball programs.
“I am really excited and curious to see the event, it kicks off our fall fundraising season as well as our first year being a part of the PACWEST circuit,” said Dino.
You can purchase tickets for the event online, through a player or at the door of the event. Don’t miss out on a chance to enjoy all the drama and hype of a live pro-wrestling show or the opportunity to support local athletes.
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