Never Forget Tribute Classic Raises Scholarship Funds for Children of 9/11 Victims

In partnership with the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund, the inaugural Never Forget Tribute Classic on Dec. 10 raised scholarship funds for the children of victims of the 9/11 attacks. The NCAA men’s basketball doubleheader between Villanova, the defending national champions who are No. 1 in the country, and Notre Dame and Pitt against Penn State was played at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey as reported by CBS Sports.

On Nov. 20, three weeks ahead of the game, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men’s Basketball Team visited the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The visit was “a very emotional experience but an important one in terms of understanding what happened,” as reported by CBS New York.

“We’re honored to be a part of the inaugural 2016 Never Forget Tribute Classic. To participate in an event that raises scholarship funds for the victims of the September 11 attacks means so much to our program and University,” said Villanova head coach Jay Wright.

The Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund was established shortly after Sept. 11, 2001 and “provides education assistance for postsecondary study to financially needy dependents of the people killed or permanently disabled in the terrorist attacks.” According to their website, the organization has provided millions of dollars in scholarship support and plans to continue offering education assistance through 2030.

The game aired on CBS Sports on Saturday with the Villanova Wildcats and Pittsburgh Panthers emerging victorious.

By 9/11 Memorial Staff