For the fourteenth consecutive year, Rhode Island credit unions, the Rhode Island Credit Union League, and Empire Corporate FCU jointly sponsored the annual Credit Union Classic High School Basketball Championships. The state championship finals for both boys and girls basketball were held at The Ryan Center at the University of Rhode Island.
"Credit union sponsorship of this statewide tournament offers Rhode Island's top high school athletes the opportunity of a lifetime to compete at The Ryan Center," noted the sponsors. "More than 20 of Rhode Island's credit unions and more 10 local merchants helped sponsor the event that provided them ad space in The Credit Union Classic's program book. On the statewide level, marketing efforts also included radio and television spots, and full game coverage in the Sunday, March 21, sports section of The Providence Journal.
Sponsored by Empire Corporate Federal Credit Union, a Credit Union Classic "Player of the Game" trophy was awarded. In addition, Empire donates funds to the 12 high school finalists' athletic funds to help support the schools' athletic programs for future students. This commitment to the youth of Rhode Island exemplifies the fundamental cooperative spirit upon which credit unions are based.
