By Earl Heath

Staff Writer

The athletes and stars came out big to support the 11th Annual Native American Classic played at the Lake of Isles Golf Resort. Black Voice News takes you to Foxwoods Resort Casino, the world's largest casino tucked away in Mashantucket, CT. The casino and golf resort are run with a great deal of pride by the MPTN (Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation).

(L-R) Lake of Isles Steve Tantillo, Jim Thorpe - Tournament Host and MPTN Tribal Chairman Michael Thomas look on as team member tees off.

One of the major participants was Oakland native, Jason Kidd of the New Jersey Nets. Kidd was a former California High School Player of the Year and has since played in six All-Star games.

"It's great coming to an event like this," said Kidd. "Whenever I can support kids, it's well worth it." Kidd joined Tribal Chairman Mike Thomas and tournament host Jim Thorpe in a group that looked to be having great success throughout the 18 holes.

Former NFL greats Larry Brown, Brig Owens and Hall of Famer Charlie Taylor, all of the Washington Redskins came out to support the Classic. They were teamed with MPTN Council member Richard Sebastian.

"I'm really happy about the number of people that showed up," said Thorpe. "It's great that people can take time out to help young people."

The funds raised at this event will go towards Catching the Dream, the Bill Dickey Scholarship Association and various youth organizations throughout southeastern Connecticut and the nation.

(L-R) Jason Kidd, Scott Garveki and Donny Marshall

Others in the tournament included: former NHL player Ken Hodge, former UConn standout Donny Marshall and former Red Sox pitcher Louis Tiant.

The annual event just keeps getting bigger and better.