Hoops tourney honors late masters track official
Paul Suzuki officiated at events other than masters track, of course. It was at the USATF national open championships last year where he was killed by a shot during warmups. But he was well-known on the Southern California masters circuit as the smiling red jacket with the starter’s pistol. Now his son Vincent sends word of a fundraising basketball tournament named for him and honoring his life.
Note from Vince:
Dear Friends,
I would like to invite you to be part of the 1st Annual Paul Suzuki Pro/Celebrity Basketball Classic, being held on May 7, 2006, 12:00 p.m., at University High School, located at 11800 Texas Avenue in West Los Angeles, 90025. The game/fundraiser will honor Paul Suzuki, who passed away June 22, 2005.
Paul Suzuki was a well-known track and field official and basketball referee in Southern California for over 40 years. He volunteered countless hours of his time to various organized sports events, including the LA Marathon, Special Olympics, numerous track & field and cross country meets, and many basketball tournaments.
Paul, 77, was tragically struck in the head by a 16-pound shot put during a practice session at the USA Track & Field Championship. The event was held at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California. Some athletes began to pray, while others stood nearby in tears and disbelief. “He was in dire straits when we showed up,” firefighter Robert Bruce said. He was pronounced dead from severe head injury after he was transported to Harbor UCLA Medical Center.
The death stunned athletes and officials who knew Paul from his years as a track official. “He loved track and field,” said Scott Davis, an announcer at last year’s U.S. nationals and the meet director for the annual Mt. San Antonio College Relays. “I never saw him without a smile on his face,” Davis said, smiling at the memory. “I know coming out to these meets kept him young. I couldn’t believe how good he looked the last time I saw him.”
The vision of the Paul Suzuki Memorial Youth Fund would simply be to keep his legacy and spirit alive. He was a force that could not be stopped through his almost 50 years of volunteering. His presence will be missed greatly in our community. It is in this consideration that I am endeavoring to honor his memory.
Your donations or help with this event will be greatly appreciated. Please contact Vince Suzuki at (310) 479-8215 home, (310) 210-5429 cell, or e mail at vinnysuz@aol.com. Any money raised through the basketball fundraiser will be donated to the Special Olympics, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, The Make A Wish Foundation, and other organizations that Paul was directly involved with.
Thank you so much for your support,
Vince Suzuki
