Youngkin, lobbyists, lawmakers battle on hardwood, raise thousands for cancer research
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Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, lobbyists and representatives from the Virginia House and Senate competed Feb. 17 on the basketball court to raise money for cancer research.
The 17th annual Capitol Square Basketball Classic saw $50,190 raised for the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. The 2024 competition raised more than $100,000, according to the governor’s office.
The governor’s office took the court first at the free event, held at the VCU Stuart C. Siegel Center. Members of Youngkin’s office beat the lobbyists 40-26.
Youngkin clinched his fourth straight victory in the Classic series, also his last game as governor.
Next, the Senate faced off against the House of Delegates. Both teams had fans on each side, and the arena was filled with pages. The pages are teenagers enrolled in a program to assist with legislative day-to-day duties during the General Assembly session.
After a barrage of free throw attempts in the final two minutes, the Senate defeated the House 25-21.
The state lawmakers kept up their good-natured ribbing at Tuesday’s General Assembly session.
Sen. Aaron Rouse, D-Virginia Beach, complimented his team's effort in the Senate. Frustrated by the team’s close loss last year, Rouse had prepped the team for victory.
“Surprisingly, the members went above and beyond dedicating hours to learning the game,” Rouse said.
He asked the Senate to stand and celebrate the victory.
“We won the championship last night,” Rouse said. “That championship was for every member and staff of our offices and every member of this chamber, the upper chamber, this was for you.”
Delegates addressed their loss in the House — it has been years since the Senate was able to snap their winning streak.
“That shows you that Sen. Rouse will stop at nothing to take the trophy from us,” said Del. Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke. “It was a heated game.”
The House applauded its team members, coaches and the pages. The House pages won the “Spirit Trophy,” Rasoul said as he presented the trophy to a page.
Donations are still being accepted at the Team Massey website.
Lawmakers are now in the final week of the legislative session, which is set to adjourn on Saturday.
