WARWICK, R.I. – Credit unions here have recently hosted their own version of "March Madness." For the 15th consecutive year, Rhode Island credit unions, the Rhode Island Credit Union League, and Empire Corporate Federal Credit Union were joint sponsors of the annual Credit Union Classic High School Basketball Championships. The state championship finals for both boys and girls basketball were held at The Ryan Center at the University of Rhode Island on Sunday, March 13, 2005. Credit union sponsorship of this statewide tournament offers Rhode Island's top high school athletes the opportunity of a lifetime to compete at The Ryan Center. Over 16 of Rhode Island's credit unions, and over 15 local merchants, helped sponsor the event that provided them ad space in The Credit Union Classic's program book. On the statewide level, marketing efforts also included radio and television spots, and full game coverage in the Monday, March 14, sports section of The Providence Journal. Empire Corporate FCU also sponsored the "Player of the Game" award. In addition, Empire donates funds to the 14 high school finalists' athletic funds to help support the schools' athletic programs for future students.