The Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA) announces “An Evening with Champions,” a benefit dinner on November 3 featuring groundbreaking American Muslim athletes. Proceeds from the benefit will go to IMANA, a nonprofit organization that focuses on medical relief worldwide.
The event will feature stories of two American Muslim athletes in particular: Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, former Denver Nuggets player known for continually standing up for his beliefs, and former NCAA Division 1 basketball player Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir, who was the first NCAA athlete to play in hijab. Abdul-Rauf was third overall pick in the 1990 NBA draft and twice led the league in free throw percentage. He is also co-captain of the Big3 basketball league’s 3-Headed Monsters team. Abdul-Qaadir holds the record for highest scorer (male or female) in Massachussetts high school basketball and also led the charge in overturning the International Basketball Association’s hijab ban.
The dinner event will include a meet and greet, autographs, and a live auction. “An Evening with Champions” will take place at Bridgewater Place, 205 Bridgewater Road in Knoxville. For more information, please contact IMANA Headquarters at 630.932.0000 or email [email protected].