Local Basketball Stars Return To Rhode Island For “Play For Peace” All-Star Game Friday

Providence, RI– At a time when violence runs rampant throughout the county, BUILD PVD has joined forces with professional basketball players for an event that will serve to provide a positive outlet and offer an inspirational message: Play for Peace.

Now in its second year, the event is scheduled for Friday, July 15, 6-9 p.m. at CCRI in Warwick and will feature an evening of basketball and positive discussion.

The highlight of the night will be the Play for Peace Pro All-Star Game.  The game will feature more than 20 professional basketball players from throughout the Northeast, many of whom have local ties.

Among those expected to participate in the inaugural Play for Peace Pro All-Star Game include former Providence College standouts Ryan Gomes (NBA, 2106 D-League Impact Player of the Year), Kadeem Batts (Turkey),  Jeff Xavier (Spain) and Marshon Brooks (China), Rakim Sanders (Two-time MVP EA7 Emporio Armani Milano/Italy), former University of Rhode Island standout Delroy James (Russia) and former Johnson & Wales two-time All-American and NCAA leading scorer (across all divisions) Lamonte Thomas (Spain).

The evening will open with a positive discussion moderated by professional basketball players. The players will share their stories of hardships, determination and success – both on and off the basketball court. The players will stress the importance of earning a college degree. The discussion will conclude with an open Q&A.

“The goal of BUILD PVD is to develop positive events for youth and adults in our community. Through Play for Peace, we will focus on sending a positive message to future generations that not everyone will make the NBA but there are other basketball outlets to make their dreams a reality,” said Play for Peace and Build PVD founder Lamonte Thomas, the former Johnson & Wales All-American who recently completed his fourth season playing professionally in Europe.  “The players will stress education and that hard work will lead to success both on and off the court.”

In addition to the Play for Peace Pro All-Star game, Friday’s event will also feature a game between a team comprised of local police officers against a squad made up of area high school players.

Tickets to the event will be available at the door are $10 for adults, $7 for students and $5 for children 10 and under.

About Build PVD

Founded in June 2015 by Lamonte Thomas, the mission of Build PVD is to build a strong, unified community by developing local programs and events that serve to create a positive environment for both youth and adults. Each event will serve educate, inform and inspire participants and serve as a platform to give back and support the community.