Donkey basketball tourney raises funds

Teachers and students saddled up and took to the floor of the Sisters Middle School gym for the Sisters High School Equestrian Team's Donkey Basketball fund-raiser last Thursday evening, April 26.

"Expectations were definitely met, and we thank the community for its support," said Cindy Holler as she gazed out at the packed gym while the team hosted its first big fund-raiser of the season.

The Sisters High School Equestrian Team has grown substantially over the past years, from only eight riders to 25 currently. Such an increase in participants now allows the riders to compete in leagues with larger schools, and transportation and competition prices have begun to add up.

Karen Friend, the Sisters High School Equestrian Team Advisor, estimates that a rider on the team will spend close to $1,000 per year paying for riding gear, practices, travel costs and competition entry fees. The team is not supported financially by the school district.

Because these expenses must be covered by the players themselves, a fund-raiser was in order.

The competition was comprised of three games including participants from the Sisters middle and high schools teaching staffs, the Sisters High School basketball teams and the Sisters and Redmond High School equestrian teams.

When asked if her participation in the event had the potential for a future NBA career, Sisters Middle School Principal Kathy Miner replied: "Well, I've got the height going for me, a natural leadership and my donkey likes to be where the action is."

By the end of the evening the game scores were close; the donkeys were a little worn out, and the fund-raiser had proven to be a great success.