NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 28, 2017 For more information contact: Jen Scott, Multnomah Athletic Club, 503-517-7229 On location during event: Hank Marcus, 503-320-4443 Pro/Am Racquetball Tournaments to Benefit Veterans’ Causes John Pelham was the last Oregonian to be killed in action in Afghanistan in 2014. After his death, his family established the “Live Like John” Foundation to benefit veteran’s causes. Because John was also an avid racquetball player, the Multnomah Athletic Club has hosted annual racquetball tournaments to benefit the Live Like John Foundation. In the past, the tournament has raised more than $15,000 for veterans’ causes. This year, from November 30 through December 3, the club will combine two tournaments into one. The John Pelham Memorial Tournament, an amateur tournament, and the Tournament of Champions, a regular stop on the pro racquetball tour. The events will draw both male and female players. The Tournament of Champions will feature the top eight professional International Racquetball Tour players including: Kane Waselenchuk, Austin, Texas; 11 time US Open Champion Rocky Carson, Ladera Ranch, CA; Best US Open Finish Champion (2007) Daniel De La Rosa, Gilbert, AZ; Best US Open Finish: Finalist (2015) Alvaro, Beltran, San Diego, CA; Best US Open Finish: Finalist (2014, 2010) Jose Rojas, Stockton, CA; Best US Open Finish: Quarterfinal (2015) Jansen Allen, Corsicana, TX; Best US Open Finish: Quarterfinal (2015) Marco Rojas, Yorba Linda, CA; Best US Open Finish: Quarterfinal (2015) Felipe Camacho, San Jose, Costa Rica; Best US Open Finish: Round of 16 (2015) This year will also feature a Veteran Wheelchair Division which includes veterans who are in wheelchairs due to their service to the country or who may have become disabled after their service. They play racquetball from special wheelchairs and with minimal rule variations. The division is headed by Bryan Dornon of Salem Oregon, a service disabled veteran who is currently the number one ranked Military Racquetball Federation (MRF) wheelchair player and the only sponsored wheelchair racquetball player in the country. He is also the MRF Wheelchair Racquetball Commissioner and holds a position on the Live Like John Tournament of Champions board. “The MAC hosts a number of tournaments and other athletic events each year to raise money for charity,” said Norm Rich General Manager. “The Pelham Tournament is one that means a great deal to us because we deeply appreciate the service of the veterans who will benefit from its proceeds.” The schedule of events is as follows: QUALIFING & ROUND OF 16: Thursday, November 30, 6:00 - 9:00 pm * QUARTERFINALS: Friday, December 1, 5:00 - 9:00 pm * SEMIFINALS: Saturday, December 2, 12:00 & 1:00 pm * Veterans wheelchair final Saturday, December 2, 5:00 pm * FINAL: Saturday, December 2, 7:00 pm All of the matches are open to the general public. Limited tickets are available with all proceeds going to Live Like John Foundation. Reserved seating is $50 for all pro matches. For more information go to http://www.r2sports.com/website/event-website.asp?TID=21812 https://www.facebook.com/PelhamTOC/ ### .