The basketball action is going to heat up under the summer sun today (Wednesday) and Thursday at the West Richmond Community Centre where an inaugural three-on-three tournament for youth takes to the outdoor courts Aug. 6 and 7.
The event is a mid-season celebration of the West Richmond Summerslam Basketball League and is intended to foster a love for pick-up, schoolyard games, said Gabriel Lee, the program’s coordinator.
“We wanted to encourage the participants to be active for life and enjoy the half-court game they can play with their friends outdoors in their own school yards,” said Lee, adding the event is for students in Grades 4 to 12.
Roughly 450 players take part in the summer league. Games on the two outdoor courts will run from 4 - 8 p.m. on both days.
Helping get the three-on-three action off the ground is some support from local businesses.
Lee said he has had help from Save-On-Foods in Terra Nova with supplying barbecue items, and the Pita Pit which will sponsor a player of the game award.
If this year’s tournament is a success, Lee said there could be another next year.
