APRIL '07 On Saturday 12th May the Gem-Tech Arena in Hull will play host to a Memorial match to celebrate the life of ex-player Jason Shakespeare, who tragically died of cancer, aged just 29, earlier this month. Past and present team-mates of Jason's will be taking part, and all involved, including officials and administrators are giving their services free to an event which will raise money for the Dove House Hospice, which is the family's chosen charity. Doors will open at 4:00pm, with the match tipping off at 5:30pm, and admission (which will be paid by players and officials, too!) is £3.00,payable on entry. Anyone who wants any information, or who would like to help in any way, should contact contact Graham Smurthwaite on 07917 869178, or e-mail hull@suitesuccess.karoo.co.uk
Although only 29 years old when he died, Jason packed a lifetime of basketball into that short time. My first memories of him as a player are when he came across to Doncaster, to play for the Panthers in the BBL, in the mid-1990s, and although still only a teenager his commitment and enthusiasm clearly marked him out as a special talent. With the demise of the Panthers Jason returned to play in Hull, and he was an integral part of the team which had a successful spell in the NBL from 1998 to 2005. During the latter part of that period Jason played a key role as player/coach, bravely continuing to take to the court despite having lost part of the muscles in his upper arm as a result of surgery for cancer. He appeared to have recovered from that illness, but last year it returned, and his sad death occurred in early April.
Jason will be sadly missed by
his widow and family, but he will also be fondly remembered by the wider
basketball community, particularly in Yorkshire and Humberside, of which
he was integral and much-admired member for so many years. |
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