The Josh Level Classic

Did you know that at least 44,000 amateur athletes die in the United States alone and that once every 3 days an athlete under the age of 25 dies of cardiac arrest?

Hi. My name is Kanayo Obi-Rapu Jr. I am a senior at New Garden Friends School in Greensboro, North Carolina. On February 19, 2013 my life suddenly changed forever. My teammate and best friend Josh Level collapsed on the basketball court, was administered CPR, taken to the hospital, and died later that evening. As I sat there in disbelief, I thought nothing like this could ever happen to such a dedicated athlete and moreover a very warm and caring human being. The tears of Josh's family and the 2000 people in attendance at his memorial service propelled me to do my part to help see that tragedies like this are prevented. My goal is to bring about an awareness that would require every amateur gymnasium to have automated external defibrillators or AED's on site. This would assist in preserving the lives of young amateur athletes across this great country in which we live.

The Josh Level Classic is a basketball game that will showcase some of the nation's top high school basketball players, while bringing about awareness for the necessity of AED's in gymnasiums.  Proceeds from gofundme for the Josh Level Classic will help with these efforts. My hope is that this will be an annual memorial game that will preserve Josh's legacy. Please join me in helping to make sure that this event is a success.