JAY — The fifth annual Jake Lord Play It Safe Foundation alumni basketball games will take place on Friday, Nov. 25, at Spruce Mountain High School.

Donations from the games allows the foundation to protect student-athletes in Maine from head injuries.

The tournament’s namesake, Jake Lord, was a star athlete at Jay High School, and graduated in 2011. He died by suicide later that year, as a result of head injuries suffered while playing sports in school. The following year his sister, Jenna Winokur, started the basketball tournament in his memory.

“It’s hard to believe that this is the 5th Annual Alumni Basketball Game,” Winokur said. “It’s even harder to believe that this marks the fifth anniversary of my brother Jake’s passing.”

Football helmets and shoulder pads have benefited the football teams. “This year, the generous donations of our community afforded us the opportunity to purchase impact headbands for the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams at Spruce Mountain High School,” she said.

Recent studies indicate players who wear safety headbands can experience between 50 and 80 percent less impact force to the brain, she said.

“This is a key step in educating our soccer players how to play it safe,” she said.

In 2017, the foundation’s goal is not only to continue to sustain and maintain these efforts, but to do more to protect children on local playing fields. This will be done through education programs, prevention efforts in conjunction with the foundation’s new partners at the Maine Concussion Workgroup, and new and safer equipment.

This year, there will be three basketball games played. The first game at 5 p.m. pits the current Spruce Mountain High School boys’ basketball team against the Spruce Mountain alumni boys. At 6:30 p.m. the current Spruce Mountain High School girls’ basketball team takes on the girls alumni from Spruce Mountain, Jay, and Livermore Falls High School.

The final game, around 8 p.m., will feature Jay High School alumni boys against the Livermore Falls High School alumni boys.

“The best way people can help to ensure a successful event is to invite their friends and family to join us for a fun night of basketball,” Winokur said.

Community members and businesses are invited to be sponsors. Sponsorship levels include Champion, $1,000 or more; All-Star, $500; Gold, $100; Silver, $50; and Bronze, $25.

“I’m still amazed by the generosity and support that our community continues to provide to the JLPISF and the honor that it is to keep my brother’s memory in our hearts,” Winokur said.

In-kind donations of raffle items are also welcome.

FMI: 207-931-9606, [email protected]

[email protected]