Short Life. Big Impact.
Tournament to celebrate infant who battled heart defect
(pictured above: Easton Sunday)
Local middle and high school boys will participate in North Point Baptist Church’s Easton Memorial Basketball Tournament on Saturday, July 26. The event will take place from 6–9 p.m. at the Fulton YMCA, 385 Hanes Mill Rd.
The tournament is being held in honor of Easton Sunday, an infant who died from medical complications after being diagnosed with a heart defect.
He was born to Lukus and Lakyn Sunday, North Point Baptist members, on June 9, 2013, weighing 4 pounds and 13 ounces. Prior to Easton’s birth, a heart defect – AV Canal Defect (Atrioventricular Canal) and EA/TEF (Esophageal Atresia/Tracheoesophageal Fistula) – was discovered. Initially, the infant did well, but while in the natal intensive care unit, Easton contracted an intestinal infection and passed away on July 22, 2013. In a short six weeks, his family says the “sweet little guy” brightened the lives of many, most of whom never saw him in person.
The three-on-three tournament will be accompanied by a “knockout” competition, for which the winner will receive a $100 cash prize and a lucky winner will take home a pair of Nike basketball shoes. Pizza and Gatorade also will be given out to the participants and the Gospel will be preached.
North Point Baptist Church Howard Coston, a legendary former local basketball star and coach, is helping to spearhead the tournament. Coston played at Mount Tabor High School and Bluefield State College. His passion these days is helping people come to know Jesus Christ.
“Basketball is fun yet trusting Jesus Christ is more rewarding,” Coston said. “Our hope is to introduce the Gospel of Christ through this awesome sport.”
The tournament is free and open to the public. The deadline for player registration was July 23.
For more information, call Howard Coston at 704-421-1532.
