No Room For Racism Classic Scheduled for Rock Hill Sports Center

Rock Hill Sports & Event Center will host the inaugural No Room for Racism Classic, featuring four college basketball games highlighted by a nationally televised game between the University of South Carolina and Florida State University on December 12.

The event starts December 10 and will also feature teams from High Point University, South Carolina State, Winthrop, Carver College, Clinton College and Edward Waters University. The No Room For Racism slogan was adopted in Rock Hill to affirm the commitment to fostering relationships among people of diverse social, cultural and racial backgrounds.

“I’m thrilled that our program is able to be part of such a wonderful event in the No Room For Racism Classic at the Rock Hill Sports and Event Center,” said South Carolina coach Frank Martin. “As the co-chairman of the NABC Committee on Racial Reconciliation, I see the importance of sharing the lessons that we’ve learned through sports with the world in respect to racism and prejudices that may exist in our communities and around our country.”

“Florida State is proud to participate in the inaugural No Room for Racism Classic,” Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton added. “The initiative to make this event a reality is a very important one and resonates with how we should live our lives showing love, affection and respect for each one of us. I know that an event like this can help us continue the conversation towards making this a better place for all of us.”

In an effort to recognize civil rights leaders, the No Room for Racism Classic will each year unveil a project to preserve the legacy of civil rights leaders and provide long standing educational value to the public. This year’s project will be an educational exhibit regarding the Jail, No Bail movement that took place in Rock Hill.

“We’re honored to host this exciting event at the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center. These matchups are sure to highlight the talent and athleticism of the teams, while also celebrating the diversity of the sport and colleges represented,” said Rock Hill Mayor John Gettys. “Local basketball fans can cheer on two Rock Hill teams, and we look forward to proving once again that competition lives here.”

Billy Dunlap, chief executive officer for Visit York County, told reporters at a press conference that planning for the event took around 18 months. “It’s huge to have this event,” he said. “Any time you get college basketball programs that are at this caliber, and you can host them in such a great facility, it’s a win-win for everybody.”