As the clock counted down on another Miami Heat win, some 50 athletes of a different sort gathered on a recent Sunday to kick off their season – competitors on the battlefield known as Splitsville in the contest known as The King Pins Challenge — benefiting the South Miami Drug-Free Coalition sponsored by Informed Families.
The athletes (supporters and players) came to prepare for the Fourth Annual King Pins Challenge on March 25, civic and business leaders, law enforcement and area high school students will then take to the lanes for fun and fundraising.
Competitors vie for The King Pins Challenge Trophy awarded to the team that raises the most money for the South Miami Drug-Free Coalition. Funds raised at the event go directly into programs in the community that help kids make wise choices and grow up safe, healthy and drug free. South Miami Coalition Director Margaret Sotham thanked the players and sponsors for their steadfast support of the event and the work it makes possible.
“We know that too many youth turn to alcohol and other drugs to combat the pressures they experience and desire to fit in,” Sotham said. “With your participation and support, we can meet the challenges in kids’ lives.”
Miami Heat’s Tim Hardaway and wife Yolanda will once again serve as Honorary King Pins Co-Chairs, and former South Miami resident and current Seattle Seahawk Kennard Cox will be on hand to show off his bowling prowess.
Hosted by SoMi Magazine and Splitsville, The King Pins Challenge IV is sponsored in part by South Miami Hospital, Team FootWorks, Dr. Rene Landa, Jr., the Police Benevolent Association, the Red Sunset Merchants Association and the Rotary Club of South Miami. Community Newpapers is media sponsor for the event.
Additional sponsorships and player positions are still available. The public is invited to join in the fun of “The Challenge” on Sunday, March 25, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at Splitsville. Spectator tickets may be purchased for $25 per person at www.informedfamilies.org/kpc or by calling 305-856-4037. Ticket price includes the buffet and non-alcoholic beverages.
