COAL GROVE — Everyone is invited to an evening of basketball marking the 9th Annual “March Madness” Basketball event as part of Mental Retardation / Developmental Disabilities Awareness activities in Lawrence County.

The event, sponsored by the Lawrence County Board of MR/DD, is designed to increase community awareness of individuals with developmental disabilities and mental retardation. This year’s awareness theme is “JUST LIKE YOU.”

Two games are scheduled for Thursday at Dawson Bryant High School in Coal Grove, beginning at 6 p.m.

The Lawrence County Open Door School Jets, winners of the 2003 Ohio Special Olympic Division III State Championship, will play Open Door School Alumni in game one. Open Door School serves students ages 6-21 with multiple handicaps from across Lawrence County.

The second game will feature a team of employees from Tri-State Industries, Inc. vs. the “Media All-Stars,” a team comprised of representatives from local media, including The Ironton Tribune, The Herald-Dispatch, WSAZ, WOWK and Clear Channel’s family of radio stations.

Tri-State Industries is a non-profit corporation that provides jobs and employment training to Lawrence County adults with developmental disabilities and mental retardation.

“Basketball is just one way we can showcase the skills and talents of people with disabilities,” said Paul B. Mollett, superintendent.

“Media support of these games offers a clear picture of their willingness to look beyond handicaps and instead see the spirit and abilities of persons served by MRDD,” Mollett said.