SALISBURY, MD – The Governors Challenge is set to return for its 40th anniversary this December. In addition to a modified team tournament, organizers will introduce Governors Challenge Select, an elite basketball experience designed for the individual athlete.
Due to the postponement of winter sports in the majority of regional public school athletic associations, the Governors Challenge will move forward as a private school event.
“Our mission has always been to provide an opportunity for high school basketball players from Delmarva, and across the country, to showcase their talents and have a phenomenal experience,” said Tournament Director James Simmons. “While Governors Challenge will be considerably smaller this year, we feel it is important to continue serving the high school student-athlete community by offering a safe and secure event.”
With a shortened schedule, the event will now take place Dec. 28-30 at the Wicomico Civic Center. The health and safety of all those involved is the top priority. Protocols will be in place for the duration of the tournament, including extended game time slots, separating individual teams off-court, consistent sanitation and daily screening of all staff, coaches and players.
Current guidance does not allow spectators to attend the event, but fans are encouraged to view over live stream.
Tournament organizers have created an additional event, Governors Challenge Select, which will take place at the Wicomico Civic Center Dec. 4-6. This elite basketball experience is designed for the individual high school basketball athlete. Both girls and boys are invited to join.
“We are especially excited about providing the public school athletes, whose seasons have been affected, with an opportunity to still be seen and have an elite basketball experience,” Simmons said. “Governors Challenge Select brings together our best partners and staff to create an experience that will help develop athletes and give them a taste of what it’s like to play in a collegiate level environment.”
Attendees’ experience will include skill development, college coaches, meals, scrimmages, seminars, action photos, head shots, interview guidance and various contests, as well as measurements and combine statistics.
Capacity is limited to 160 athletes. Registration will open in the coming weeks with a base fee of $200 per participant.
“It is not the 40th anniversary of Governors Challenge that we initially imagined, but I am proud of our team for thinking creatively and finding solutions,” Simmons said. “We are working hard to rise to the challenge and end 2020 on a positive note.”
Event organizers are continuously monitoring the COVID-19 situation through regular updates from the Wicomico County Health Department and the Department of Emergency Services. All aspects of both Governors Challenge and Governors Challenge Select are subject to change. Updates will be shared with the press and posted on social media.
For more information, visit www.GovChallenge.org or contact Tournament Director James Simmons at jsimmons@wicomicocounty.org or 443-944-6083.
