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 halfcourt
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.
