Police vs. Fire basketball game raises money for brain cancer research
DORCHESTER - First responders put their rivalry on the line Sunday afternoon for the Battle of the Badges basketball tournament.
The friendly game of basketball at Boston College High School in Dorchester was for a good cause, raising money for the organization A Shot for Life that raises money for brain cancer research.
The MVP of the game was 7-year-old Royal Smith. Royal has leukemia and A Shot for Life is trying to help find a cure.
Joined by Super Mario characters, because he loves video games, Royal got to make the first basket of the game.
"This is the highlight of our year," said Michael Slonina of A Shot for Life. "Honestly, we're giving a memory and a moment that's pretty hard to replicate."
There's a bit of a rivalry between the BPD and BFD but they said they're putting that aside to help Royal and others with cancer.
"Neither one of us want to lose to each other, so there will be some competition, but we understand the bigger picture here. We're here for Royal," said Boston firefighter Paul Blaikie.
Boston Fire won the game, 50-40 and $20,000 was raised for A Shot for Life at the event.
"It's very fulfilling," said Blaikie. "Because we're able to give him an opportunity to feel like the star of the show for the day."
