Now that warm weather has finally graced the area, students and faculty have the opportunity to refine their basketball skills in preparation for a charity three-on-three tournament June 8-9.
The tournament, which will be held in the Sports Pavilion and Williams Arena, has been dubbed “Hoops for Hope.” All proceeds go to the Salvation Army’s After School Program, which gives Minneapolis youth a place to go after school instead of the streets.
The fee is $60 for a four-person team and the entry deadline is June 3. Five divisions will be set up based on age and skill level.
In addition, the tourney will feature a slam dunk and three-point contest. In each competition, participants do not have to play in the tournament to enter. Each competition costs $5. Participants will compete for various prizes donated by local businesses.
“We’re hoping to build up the awareness with the Salvation Army with an age group we really don’t have a connection with — the college-age group,” said Mike Dorsey, community relations director for the Salvation Army.
Dorsey said certain Gophers “celebrities” are currently being recruited to judge the slam-dunk competition. Men’s basketball coach Clem Haskins was mentioned as a candidate, as well as McKinley Boston, vice president for student development and athletics.
Others candidates for judging are the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Terry Porter and some Minnesota Vikings football players.
Everyone who competes in the tournament will receive an official tourney T-shirt.
Dorsey expects nearly 500 people to compete in the two-day event.
Call 569-0574 for registration or more information.