Events will kick off at 8:30am with 3-on-3 basketball tournaments featuring some of the city’s most talented youth.  The peace rally will kick off at 10:30am and will be led by elected officials, community leaders, celebrity basketball players and residents from the Near East side community.  The annual celebrity basketball game will kick off at  2:30 pm.  

 

In its 6th year, the Rodgers Neighborhood Basketball (RNB) “Battle for Peace” Classic has been instrumental in promoting peace throughout Columbus area neighborhoods using the sport of basketball. 

 

“With the increase of violence in our city and across the nation, we wanted to show the community that we support them in promoting a day of peace through events that are family friendly and positive, said Leon Rogers, Founder of RNB Classic.  “Our hope is that our youth will be inspired to make more positive choices and not turn to violence as a solution for solving any conflicts they may encounter.”

 

Unique to this year’s event will be of the Battle of the Bands featuring Columbus East and Cincinnati Withrow.  Closing out the day will be an autograph session featuring Former and Current NBA and OSU players: Evan Turner, Scoonie Penn, John Diebler, David Lighty, Mike Conley, Jared Sullinger and many more!  

 

Additionally, the community-wide event will feature FREE health screenings, live health demonstrations and information on wellness.  Local area businesses and food vendor will also be featured.  Closing out the event will be an autograph session featuring former OSU and current NBA league players including:  Jared Sullinger, Evan Turner, Scoonie Penn, John Diebler, David Lighty, Mike Conley and many more! 

 

Since its inception, the event has attracted more than 5000 spectators and this year’s event is guaranteed to sell out.  Proceeds raised from the event will also go toward the RNB Inc. -- a non-profit organization established in 2006 by Leon Rodgers.  RNB Inc. was created to mentor and nurture student athletes, as well as prepare them for challenges they may face on and off the basketball court.

 

RNB uses the sport of basketball to assist at-risk youth in becoming more positive student role models within their communities.  Programming includes: seasonal skills camps, etiquette workshops, mentoring and promoting the ideas of non-violence.  Additionally, scholarships are awarded to youth that demonstrate academic excellence throughout the school year.

 

For more details concerning this event, visit www.RNBclassic.com or contact Rodgers.neighborhood@yahoo.com/  614-522-9602.