CLEARFIELD -- City officials are considering use of a gymnasium to help support a scholarship and potentially set a world record.
Kurt Spencer, of the Fallen Heroes Scholarship Fund, approached staff asking for use of one basketball court at the Aquatic Center from Dec. 26 to Dec. 30. The plan is to start a basketball game at 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 26, and end at 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30.
The event will attempt to set the world record for the longest continuous basketball game and raise awareness of the Fallen Heroes Scholarship Foundation, which helps surviving families of U.S. soldiers and police officers who have been killed in the line of duty.
"There are a lot of benefits out there for those folks, but they limit which schools money can be used for," Spencer said.
He explained that many scholarships require the school to be state-run, whereas his foundation's scholarship allows the recipients to attend any school that is accredited.
The hope is that this basketball event can generate at least $50,000 in additional scholarship funds for those who qualify.
"First, we need to zero down a place to do it," he said.
The foundation asked the city to consider donating use of the facility or to only charge about $2,500 for the week.
Mayor Don Wood said a public hearing must be held on the matter before the council can make a decision.
"Generally speaking, the council seemed favorable toward it, but we still have to follow statutory requirements," he said.
The public hearing has been set for Oct. 11.
"We're doing it regardless of where we can get the facility," Spencer said, noting they are looking at other options if Clearfield does not allow the waiver or reduced rental fee.
Spencer added that he hopes to get not only support in terms of a location for the event, but also for participants.
He explained that the foundation is still looking for people to volunteer to play for the five-day event.
"The biggest thing will be to find the people, men or women," he said, noting that they need to be 18 or older.
Spencer said this is a big endeavor to take on, but he thinks it will be enjoyable for spectators and participants.
The end goal: to beat the world record of 107 continuous played hours. The 24 players, a support team, and medical personnel will be onsite during the event.
"We have to beat the record," Spencer said. "It will be challenging, but fun."
The event is open to the public at no charge, though donations on admission are accepted. All money raised is going directly to the scholarship fund.
For more information, log on to www.fallenheroscholarship.org.
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