The annual summer 4v4 basketball tournament in Richmond returns at the end of this month.
The 37th annual Dolphin Basketball Classic tournament will take place at South Arm Park from July 26 to 28, featuring men's and women's basketball teams.
The tournament, co-founded by Steveston High School graduates Bruce Watson, Bira Bindra, Taj Johal and Tong Wong-Hen, began in Dolphin Park in 1986 and has since moved to South Arm Park due to its growing size.
But why four versus four?
"We're a unique four-by-four play style format instead of a five-on-five because originally, the court at Dolphin Park was slightly smaller than a regulation-sized court," explained Watson.
He described the courts as "unique" in that they are four-on-four side courts and slightly less wide and long. This is something Watson hasn't seen in other cities or neighbourhoods.
"Because of this, we just kind of made up our own game."
Watson told the Richmond News that the annual basketball tournament has a "really nice social atmosphere" that brings people back every year.
"It's a very fun sort of tournament. It's sort of like a reunion wrapped around a basketball tournament," he said.
"There are generations of Dolphin players and they keep coming back until they don't play anymore."
Last year, the tournament had a record number of teams participating and organizers are expecting a similar turnout this year, according to Watson.
Athletes attending the tournament range from just out of high school to players in their 40s.
It is free for the public to attend and watch with a concession and beer garden available.
A fan-favourite three-point and dunk contest will also take place on Sunday at 8880 Williams Rd.
The schedule for this year's tournament will be made available the week of July 21.
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