YOUTH AND HOOPS tournament building “Unity in the Community”
May 3, 2017
By W. Thomas Smith Jr.
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Deputies with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) and Midlands-area teens will play shoulder-to-shoulder in the RCSD’s second annual YOUTH AND HOOPS, a “highly competitive” basketball tournament wherein at least one RCSD deputy will play on each team in the tournament composed of participants ages 14 through 18. The tournament will also feature a variety of basketball related activities, games (including a three-point shooting contest), prizes, and giveaways as well as great food, good music, and fun for all ages.
Youth and Hoops is designed to build and foster “better and stronger relationships” between area youth, their families, friends, and the law enforcement officers who live, work, and serve in their communities.
“This is but another way in which we are reaching out to our neighbors in the communities we are sworn to protect,” says Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott. “Last year’s event was a huge success and a lot of fun and excitement for all – players and spectators alike – and we anticipate exceeding all expectations with this year’s tournament.”
Sergeant Brittany Jackamonis, RCSD public information officer, says, “‘Youth and Hoops’ is an opportunity for deputies to engage with our young people in a relevant environment, on a basketball court! This family-driven event is a way to connect and build positive long-lasting relationships with young people and the community.”
A partnership between RCSD and the Richland County Recreation Commission, the ‘Youth and Hoops’ basketball tournament is open to the first 50 players. It is a free event and open to the public.
‘Youth and Hoops’ will be held Sat., June 3, 2017, at St. Andrews Park, 920 Beatty Road in Columbia. The fun begins at 11:00 a.m. with tournament tip-off soon thereafter. All activities will conclude at 3:00 p.m.
DON’T WAIT! REGISTER NOW!
[For more information about ‘Youth and Hoops’ and to register, please contact Sgt. Brittany Jackamonis at 803-576-3013.]
