WILTON—The 13th Annual Tyler Ugolyn Basketball Tournament will be held Friday, January 24 through Friday, February 7, 2020 at Our Lady Of Fatima Catholic Academy in Wilton. This event honors the memory of Tyler Ugolyn, a Fatima graduate who perished in the 9/11 terrorist attack.
“This year’s tournament will include 43 teams across 6 divisions,” noted OLFCA Athletic Director Rob Benedetto. “13 schools are participating from all over Connecticut and New York.”
The Tournament has been a beloved tradition at Fatima for 34 years. 13 years ago, it was renamed to honor Tyler and his love of the game. Tyler is remembered as often saying, “I just love the game”. OLFCA Principal Stanley Steele explained, “Every aspect of planning and running this tournament is a testament to that love: from the way the game is played, the way the volunteers give so selflessly, and the feeling you get when you walk into the building as the entire Fatima family is involved. Even our ‘Future Falcons’ (pre-K–2nd grade) participate.”
After graduating from Fatima, Ugolyn attended Ridgefield High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society. Tyler was a McDonald’s High School All-American Basketball nominee and was ranked as one of the top 250 high school seniors in the country. After being recruited to play basketball at Columbia University, Tyler founded Columbia Catholic Athletes and ran an inner city basketball league for Harlem youth. ”Tyler truly embraced our school motto of service above self,” added Mr. Steele.
The Tournament will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Academy, located at 225 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT. More information about the tournament, including game schedules, may be found on the school’s website (www.olfacademy.org) under the Athletics tab. The school’s students will officially kick off the Tournament with a pep rally. Tournament highlights will include an Alumni game on Saturday, January 25 at 8:00pm, and the Tyler Ugolyn Awards ceremony on Friday, January 31 at 7 pm. The Awards are given to one 8th grade boy and girl in a ceremony expected to be attended by members of the Ugolyn family.
A portion of the Tournament proceeds will be donated to the Tyler Ugolyn Foundation. Established after Tyler’s death, the Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to promoting youth basketball programs and the refurbishment of inner-city basketball courts. Courts have been renovated in Tyler’s memory all across the country in conjunction with the NCAA Men’s Final Four, including cities such as San Antonio, Detroit, Indianapolis and Houston.
Ad space beginning at $25 is still available for sponsors interested in supporting the event. The deadline is January 21, 2020. Forms may be found on the Tournament page of the school’s website or by emailing ads@olfcatholic.org or Athletics@olfcatholic.org.
Sneaker Drive To Coincide With Tyler Ugolyn Tournament
While the Tournament is ongoing, the Youth Ministry group at Our Lady of Fatima will hold its annual Sneaker Drive. New and gently used sneakers will be collected during the Tournament at three sites (Our Lady of Fatima School, Our Lady of Fatima Church, and the children’s wing of the Wilton Public Library) and donated to the Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization.
Sneakers and athletic footwear for all ages are sought. Youth Ministry Director Mara Fleming points out, “Tyler was an active volunteer for Big Brothers and Big Sisters. His talent was outmatched only by his generosity and selflessness. I think he’d be thrilled that we have given hundreds and hundreds of sneakers to those in need over the years.”
A Flurry of Activity at OLFCA
Coinciding with the Tournament, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Academy will also hold an Open House on Sunday, January 26 from 2-4 pm, to offer prospective students and families the opportunity to meet current students and faculty, take a guided tour and learn about registering for fall 2020.
The Open House date also marks the start of National Catholic Schools Week. First celebrated in 1974, National Catholic Schools Week begins the last Sunday in January and typically includes special masses, school open houses and other activities for students, families and community members. The theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2019 is “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.”
“We are particularly excited about this year’s Open House because we have so much to share with prospective new families,” said Principal Stanley Steele. “We have implemented a new Academy model for the 2019-2020 school year, and we’re seeing continued success with our Personalized Approach to Learning and Multi-Age classrooms.”
Offered since 2018, a Personalized Approach to Learning means instruction is fluid and flexible, based the on the needs of the student. Every child receives a tailored education, allowing them to excel in their strength areas, while identifying and receiving added support and attention in areas needing improvement.
Children are benefitting from multi-age classrooms, regardless of where they may fall on the learning continuum. Principal Steele noted, “These academic offerings, coupled with a STEAM curriculum, small class sizes and a nurturing environment, allow Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Academy to provide the foundation for tomorrow’s leaders.”
The Academy is located at 225 Danbury Road, Wilton CT 06897. Tours are also available by appointment by contacting Stanley Steele, Principal at ssteele@olfcatholic.org or calling 203.762.8100.
(Visit www.OLFAcademy.org for additional information.)
