A community support group’s Saturday event is expected to bring the city of Delaware and Ohio Wesleyan University together for a day.
Bishop Backers will kick off its third year for Community Day, a free Delaware celebration at OWU that includes a varsity men’s and women’s doubleheader and an expo to showcase local nonprofit organizations and businesses.
“The Bishop Backers, as our public face, promotes two Community Days each year. One in the fall and one in the winter,” said Roger Ingles, OWU’s athletic director. “I hope everyone gets a chance to stop in and learn about these fine businesses and groups and enjoy some great Division III basketball as well.”
The expo will take place from noon to 3:30 p.m. at Gordon Field House, 105 S. Sandusky St. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will bring about two to three animals, while the Delaware Community Center YMCA will provide an indoor children’s play area. There will also be free raffles for prizes including a big-screen television.
The doubleheader is free with a canned donation and will start with the women’s team against DePauw University Tigers at the Branch Rickey Arena at 1 p.m., while the men’s game is at 3 p.m. Food donations will benefit LSS Food Pantries operated by Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio.
The day’s activities are intended bring people together for entertainment and education and connect businesses and service organizations with potential customers and volunteers.
“There’s a community service component to both of the events,” said Mark Shipps, an organizer of the Bishop Backers.
His organization consists of community advocates interested in sharing information about athletics, arts and educational opportunities at OWU and connecting students with local organizations. Shipps said Community Day continues that mission to build the collaboration between OWU and Delaware.
“OWU strives to maintain and enhance the relationship it has with the community,” he said.
For information go to www.facebook.com/BishopBackers.