A great story got lost amidst the news regarding Tuesday’s political primary day. Most of the news focused on whether little known Mark McMahon could score more than 25 percent of the vote against Hillary Rodham Clinton in the New York Senatorial Campaign; or which incumbent politicians would prevail in the State, Senate, and Assembly primaries against term limited city council members.

Some reports gave attention to incumbent congressional members battling for their political lives. The biggest news was whether the word "rats" was used in a Republican TV ad as a subliminal attack on Al Gore.

But the greatest story of the day was completely overlooked and ignored by most of the media. It was the story regarding the Annual New York City Wheelchair Classic.

In spite of the change of location from Madison Square Garden, where it has been held since its inception, to the Nassau Coliseum, an enthusiastic crowd was treated to a wonderful performance by a group of outstanding NBA basketball players.

Some of the big names who ordinarily play in the classic were absent because of the upcoming Olympics, but nobody seemed to care because those who did show up gave their all for the benefit of the wheelchair-bound patients of Goldwater Hospital.

Hank Carter, whose vision and determination brought the classic into being more than a decade ago, would not allow his dispute with Madison Square Garden over control of the event to stop the game from happening. Having spent countless hours visiting Goldwater with Hank, I have a keen sense of appreciation for his dogged determination and dedication to these patients.

He has raised millions of dollars to provide wheelchairs, equipment, and other valuable necessities to those who could not otherwise afford them. I hope the Garden will come to realize that this classic belongs in New York City and will work out an arrangement with Hank to continue to perform what has become his "calling" – that calling is to make life better for those who cannot provide the costly, yet vital equipment for themselves. He visits Goldwater each day after work and on the weekends to check on his "family."

I joined Kenny Smith, the NBA television announcer for TNT, as coach of one of the teams. My responsibility was to coach the defense. The final score was 166-162, in favor of my team, so I had an easy night since no defense was played by anyone. There were many one-on-one contests, lots of dunking, and some exceptionally long three-pointers. It was great fun for a worthy cause.

The score was really inconsequential. The real winners were the recipients of over $1 million raised for chairs and equipment. Of course, all of the players were winners because they sacrificed to make the event a success. The players, these multi-million dollar stars, who only received a free meal in remuneration for playing, had a great time.

Seasoned All-Stars like Mark Jackson, John Starks, Anthony Mason and Stephon Marbury joined with some of the newer kids on the block, Ron Artest, "Speedy" Claxton, Lamar Odom, and Darius Miles to bring joy to the hearts of those who sat on the sidelines in their wheelchairs.

In fact, the only thing missing at this year’s wheelchair classic were many of the young people who usually take the train from the boroughs to see the game. Nassau Coliseum was too far away for them. The event should return to The Garden. These young people need to come so that they can interact with the patients and hopefully learn some invaluable lessons, not just about basketball, but about how precious life is and how blessed they are in comparison to those who may spend their entire lives in wheel chairs or attached to life support systems.