On Sunday Feb. 14, the Knights of Columbus annual free throw sectional contest, sponsored by the Pere Marquette chapter, was held at the Walsh Center gym. The overall winners were Mario Blasi, Kiera Lombard, Jerry O’Neil, Chris Hosea, Bobby Delaney, Sara Galvin and Emma Gillis. These Southie sectional winners will compete in the Knights of Columbus regionals to be held at Catholic Memorial High School in West Roxbury on Saturday, March 5. These sectional winners should report to the school gym on this day at 8 a.m.
“This is one of the best and most competitive days of the year,” said Ray Flynn, the co-chair of the event and former mayor of Boston. “While playing basketball at the South Boston Boys Club, we had some of the best shooters in the city, including Leo Mahoney and Eddie Rollo. Thanks to the Knights of Columbus, that tradition is still alive.”
Steve Greig, the Knights of Columbus chair for this event, was present to cheer on the participants.
“Kids from all over the neighborhood turned out and the sound of ‘swish’ filled the air,” Greig said. “The Knights of Columbus does so much work in the neighborhood… We try hard to help out and are proud to be associated with the Catholic Church.”
Ed Flynn, a Knights of Columbus volunteer at the event and also a coach in the Gate of Heaven CYO hoop league, praised the other Knights of Columbus volunteers and all the coaches in the CYO program.
“It was an exciting day as both boys and girls competed for the title of ‘best free throw shooter’ in South Boston,” Flynn said. “I’m proud of the young people of South Boston and I know their parents are proud of them too.
“The Knights of Columbus volunteers and CYO coaches work hard and give so much to the youth of South Boston,” Flynn stated further. “Then add in their parents to this formula and this is what helps make this the great neighborhood that we all it is.”
Pictured (from left) are free throw participants Colmn Gilroy, Dan Mahoney, Tommy White and Chris Hosea. In back is Knights of Columbus volunteer, young Steve Greig.
Knights of Columbus volunteer and Gate of Heaven CYO coach Ed Flynn is busy tallying a contestant’s free throw results.
Knights of Columbus volunteer Robert Olson with Reverend Gerald Souza enjoying annual free throw event at the Walsh gym.
Pictured (from left) at the annual Knights of Columbus free throw event at the Walsh gym is Knights of Columbus volunteer, Paul Lyons, free throw participants Emma Gillis and Cara DiMaggio, and community volunteer Ed Flynn.
