Sycuan Casino Partners with the Challenged Athletes Foundation along with NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton to Make a Difference in the Lives of Others

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sycuan Casino and legendary basketball pro Bill Walton join together with the Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF), a world leader in helping individuals with physical challenges get involved – and stay involved – in sports, to launch a second year of partnership. The 2013 partnership kicked off on February 17, 2013 in Sycuan’s GameDay Sports Bar and Grill for the NBA All-Star game where Bill Walton provided game commentary and signed fan autographs after a special check presentation of $50,000 from Sycuan’s Chairman, Daniel Tucker, to further support CAF’s mission. CAF Executive Director, Virginia Tinley, and CAF spokesperson and challenged athlete, Scout Bassett, accepted the check on behalf of the foundation. Bill praised Scout as the “true all-Star” in the room for overcoming adversity after losing her leg in a liquid fire and left as an orphan in Nanjing, China, to becoming a role model for others with physical disabilities.

“Over the years I have had the honor and privilege of meeting many inspirational athletes, like the remarkable Scout Bassett. This team of CAF and Sycuan is one of the best I’ve played on for the passion they share to help others succeed in life using sports”

“We are proud to partner with the Challenged Athletes Foundation for the second year in a row as they exemplify how sports serve as the springboard to success in life,” said Tucker. “As an organization dedicated to having a positive impact on our community, we couldn’t imagine a better foundation to support.” This donation will allow CAF to provide grants for adaptive sports equipment, sports prosthetics, training, mentorship and competition expenses to challenged athletes throughout the world, with many right here in the San Diego community. GameDay will further support challenged athletes by donating 5% of proceeds to CAF. “Over the years I have had the honor and privilege of meeting many inspirational athletes, like the remarkable Scout Bassett. This team of CAF and Sycuan is one of the best I’ve played on for the passion they share to help others succeed in life using sports,” said Bill Walton. “I look forward to making regular appearances at GameDay throughout March Madness and this upcoming year.”

GameDay Sports Bar & Grill

Sycuan’s GameDay Sports Bar & Grill – the Official Sports Bar of basketball legend Bill Walton, is your premier sports viewing destination featuring luxury accommodations and one-of-kind San Diego sports memorabilia. The Bar & Grill features 39 large screen televisions, including five 100-inch Holodisplayprojection TVs. The bar offers 12 beers on tap as well as a full cocktail selection, and guests can select from a delicious menu of great casual food like a “build your own burger” selections, a full Mexican offering and dozens of appetizer choices. There are even 29 bar-top video poker machines for those who like to play while they watch. Stop in to see the 15-foot tall metal "Louisville Slugger" bat from Jack Murphy stadium, the original four front-row seats from Petco Park, and an original San Diego Chicken Costume.

Challenged Athletes Foundation

The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) is a world leader in helping individuals with physical challenges get involved – and stay involved – in sports. CAF believes that participation in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. Since 1994, more than $40 million has been raised and almost 7,000 funding requests from challenged athletes in all 50 states and dozens of countries have been satisfied. Additionally, CAF’s outreach efforts help another 60,000 individuals each year. Whether it’s a $2,500 grant for a handcycle, helping underwrite a carbon fiber running foot not covered by insurance, or arranging enthusiastic encouragement from a mentor who has triumphed over a similar challenge, CAF’s mission is clear: give those with the desire to live active, athletic lifestyles every opportunity to compete in the sports they love. To learn more, visit www.challengedathletes.org