There has been an increase in the number of teams participating in this year's Nelson Cooper "Peace on da Streets" Basketball Classic.
Teams are expected from Freeport, Grand Bahama, and various communities in New Providence. A number of collegiate players have also signed on to play in the tournament that will be held July 11-14 at the Sir Kendal GL Isaacs gymnasium. The basketball classic was formerly called the National Park League Championships before it was renamed after Nelson Cooper, in 1996. The first tournament tipped off 17 years ago.
"Nelson gave his life to the Lord and went into Mason's Addition community to encourage other gang members to stop the violence," recalled tournament organizer Carlos Reid. "He was shot the night he entered that same community and died a few weeks later. This basketball tournament is an effort to continue the work of Nelson Cooper and Youth Against Violence to help keep our youth off the streets.
"So far for 2012 there have been over 66 reported murders which is 20 more than we had at this same time last year. Last year we set a record with 127. While we don't want to magnify the problem, we also don't want to minimize the fact that we are experiencing an epidemic as it relates to crime and violence. Youth Against Violence is committed to fighting this scourge. We will continue to provide positive alternatives and solutions to the youth of this nation. We refuse to sit on the sidelines and hope that it will get better because the reality is that it won't get better until every law abiding, and sensible, citizen makes up their mind to become a solution rather than a problem."
Teams are registered in the five divisions inclusive of the 13 and under, 16 and under, 19 and under, church play and an open division. Phil's Food Services will sponsor this year's Slam Dunk contest which will feature 'Werm' from Fort Lauderdale, 'Airdogg' from California and Bahamian Corey 'Out of the Building' Walkes.
The first place prize in the slam dunk contest is $1,000 and a 42 inch plasma television. The runner-up will get $500 and a 32 inch plasma television, while the third place contestant will receive $300 and Blackberry cellphone.
All awards were courtesy of Phil's Food Services. The contest will be held on Saturday, July 14, after the 3-point shoot out.
Reid said: "The celebrity game will again feature members of Parliament playing against some of our pastors. The pastors won this game for the past three years but the politicians say that with the new generation politicians they have this year, they are guaranteeing a win. Our classic has become the most highly anticipated summer event in New Providence, and over the past several years, we have attracted some college coaches from the U.S. who come down with the hopes of offering scholarships to some of our young players."
Reid thanked all for their support over the years. Some sponsors of the event includes Furniture Plus, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Phil's Food Service, Thompson Trading, Original Patties, First Caribbean Bank, JMEL, BTC, Royal Star Assurance and Fidelity Bank and Family Guardian.
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