North Carolina’s planned intrasquad scrimmage has been relocated from western North Carolina to the school’s home turf due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Originally scheduled to take place at Harrah’s Resort in Cherokee on October 13, the Tar Heels will now play the scrimmage on October 12 at home. This decision came after the region suffered significant damage from the Category 4 storm, causing devastation to communities in the area.
The school and organizers mutually agreed to change the location of the scrimmage, with ticket proceeds from the event going towards hurricane relief efforts. UNC coach Hubert Davis emphasized that the safety and well-being of those affected by the storm are the top priority, and playing a basketball game in Cherokee at this time would not be appropriate given the tragic circumstances faced by the community.
While there were discussions about keeping the original date to help bring some sense of normalcy to the area, the severity of the situation led to the decision to reschedule the event. The Tar Heels also had plans to travel to Memphis for an exhibition game benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, but the focus now is on supporting the recovery efforts in the wake of the storm.
In addition to the scrimmage relocation, UNC is joining a list of college and professional sports organizations in providing aid to those affected by Hurricane Helene. The team is committed to returning to Harrah’s Resort and Cherokee at a more appropriate time when conditions are suitable for such an event.
The impact of natural disasters like Hurricane Helene extends beyond the immediate physical damage, affecting the lives of thousands of individuals in the region. By redirecting their efforts towards supporting recovery and relief initiatives, UNC is demonstrating a commitment to the community and showing solidarity in the face of adversity. The resilience and unity displayed in times of crisis highlight the importance of coming together to support those in need.
