AMERICUS — It may have been rainy and cold outside, but there were nothing but smiles and laughter inside the Americus Sumter High School South Campus gym as a good crowd turned out for the 2nd Annual Healthy Heart Awareness basketball game between the Phoebe Sumter All-Stars and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Department and Probation Officers.
The Sumter County Sheriff Department & Probation Officers started out hot and took an early lead, but in the end the PSMC All-Stars took the lead by halftime and eventually went on to a 73-58 victory.
"It was a great game just like last year and every time we play the Sheriff Department and Probation Officers, and once again it got everyone's heart pumping with excitement," said Marcus Johnson, Director of Marketing & PR at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center and player/coach of the All-Stars. "The main goal of this game and all the Heart Month activities was to bring awareness to the #1 killer in the United States, heart disease, and by having a great basketball game I think it showed people the importance of being active whether it is a sport or just walking or jogging. Exercise helps reduce the risk obesity and diabetes, both of which could lead to heart disease, so hopefully people left the game wanting to exercise more."
The night started with a prayer by local pastor Norris Harris and an awesome rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by young Kwadajha Angry. The Americus Sumter cheerleaders cheered throughout the game and they also had a lively performance at halftime. Among the crowd were workers from both organizations as well as local church groups, many in attendance came to honor a loved one who had been lost to heart disease.
“Like many people who attended, I have personally lost family members and friends to heart disease, so this game was personal to me as I am sure it was for many others,” said Johnson. “Hopefully there was more awareness brought to this deadly disease and everyone will look at ways they can reduce the threat of heart disease for not only for themselves but their family as well. By eating better, exercising, quitting smoking and getting regular blood pressure checks, there is a good chance that we can save lives and that's the most important thing that could come from this event."
