Metro Health to Host 2013 Gus Macker Tournament June 1-2

WYOMING, MI, May 03, 2013 (Press-News.org) The Gus Macker Tournament is moving - to the Metro Health Village in Wyoming on June 1-2.

The popular three-on-three basketball tournament expects to draw more than 200 teams when it debuts at the Village later this spring. This is the first time that Metro Health will host the Macker, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

Proceeds from the two-day tournament will be used to purchase automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, which are portable devices used to treat potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Metro Health is encouraging schools within its West Michigan service area to visit http://www.metrohealth.net/gusmacker and apply for one of the free life-saving devices, which retail for approximately $1,500.

Approximately one-third of each team's $132 registration fee will be used to purchase AEDs.

"Metro Health is pleased to host this special anniversary edition of the Gus Macker," said Floyd Wilson, executive vice president of marketing, community outreach and physician relations. "This family-friendly sporting event gives everyone - experienced or not - the opportunity to have some fun, get some exercise and raise funds for an excellent cause.

"As a community healthcare organization focused on wellness, we look for opportunities such as the Macker to promote fun, physical activities. We are delighted that this popular tournament has chosen the Metro Health Village as its 2013 home."

The Gus Macker Tournament is designed so that anyone - male or female, young or old, short or tall - can play. From modest beginnings on a driveway in Lowell, the Macker tour has expanded to eight states and this year will hold nearly 40 tournaments from New Mexico to New York, including 12 in Michigan.

Despite its national footprint, the Macker is still run in a hometown, friendly manner. By prohibiting alcohol and tobacco-related sponsors, the Macker has maintained the wholesome nature and pure fun of the event, which draws scores of players and spectators wherever it is held.

"Gus Macker is excited to partner with Metro Health because we share the same passion for family-friendly activities," said Scott McNeal, owner of the Gus Macker tournament. "Being able to provide lifesaving AEDs for deserving organizations in our community makes this Gus Macker tournament especially meaningful to us."

Registration for the event is $132 plus an $8 processing fee per team, which can include up to four players. Teams are computer-matched into male and female divisions within one of three categories: junior, adult or top. The age, height and experience of all team members are considered.

Since 1987, the Macker has held nearly 1,000 tournaments with more than 2.2 million players that have been viewed by more than 23 million spectators. To date, the tournament has raised more than $15 million for charity.

WOOD TV and Cumulus Radio are official media sponsors for the event. Metro Health is currently seeking corporate sponsors for the tournament. More details on sponsorship packages are available at http://www.metrohealth.net/gusmacker.

For more information on the Gus Macker Tournament or to register, visit http://www.macker.com.

About Metro Health

An award-winning leader in community healthcare, Metro Health serves more than 250,000 patients annually from across West Michigan - and beyond. In addition to its 208-bed hospital, which provides a comprehensive suite of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services, Metro Health has a growing number neighborhood outpatient centers and offices throughout West Michigan, as well as a community clinic for the underserved and a student health clinic on the campus of Grand Valley State University. With more than 500 physicians on staff, Metro Health provides a growing number of specialty health services, including cancer treatment, heart and vascular, neurology, pulmonology and others. Many are members of the Metro Health Medical Group. The hospital is committed to promoting health and wellness through the work of the Metro Health Hospital Foundation, Live Healthy community outreach classes and educational programs and more. Visit us http://www.metrohealth.net, follow us on Twitter @MetroHealthGr and like us on Facebook/MetroHealth.