History of Basketball Exhibit Coming to Western Pa.

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BEAVER FALLS, PA. (03/03/2010)(readMedia)-- Ian Naismith will display his History of Basketball Exhibit at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pa. from April 15-17, 2010. Naismith is the grandson of Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball. Geneva College has long been recognized as the Birthplace of the College Basketball, and Naismith will reference this grandfather's writings to reconfirm this title.

Visitors will be able to view rare memorabilia from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in a display approximately 2,000 square feet in size. This exhibit includes items from some of the NBA's top stars, genuine photo displays from the Naismith family archives and the rules James Naismith wrote in 1891. The exhibit has been toured nationally, stopping at places such as the NCAA Final Four and the NBA All-Star game, and key locations across the country.

The exhibit will be held in the Merriman Gym at Geneva College's Metheny Fieldhouse. It will be free and open to the public. Area schools and basketball teams are encouraged to tour the exhibit. While there is no cost for admission, large groups are encouraged to schedule a visit by contacting Becky Dittmar at 724.847.6650 or rdittmar@geneva.edu.

James Naismith originally invented basketball to teach both character and physical education values, and now his grandson has devoted himself to reclaiming the values-driven identity of basketball. Ian Naismith is the Founder and Director of the Naismith International Basketball Foundation, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Western Pennsylvania's high school Round Ball All-Star Classic will be held at Geneva's Metheny Fieldhouse during the display of the History of Basketball Exhibit. The Round Ball All-Star Classic high school basketball competition for girls and boys at the top of their leagues in single-A through quad-A will be on Saturday, April 17.

Details of the History of Basketball Exhibit will be available at www.geneva.edu.

Geneva College is a comprehensive Christian college of the arts, sciences and professional studies. Founded in the tradition of the Reformed Christian faith, Geneva prepares students to serve Christ in all areas of society: work, family and the church. Geneva College's philosophy of education is based on the Foundational Concepts of Christian Higher Education. Geneva is a founding member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).