The Tribune

THE 19th annual Peace on da Streets Basketball Classic tipped off at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium in New Providence last night and runs until Saturday. The tournament attracts players of all levels, from 13 and under to the best Bahamian college players who are hoping to catch the eye of American university coaches.

There are five divisions - 13 and under, 16 and under, 19 and under, church and open.

The tournament’s Family Night is on Saturday and will feature the championship games, the 3-point Shoot-Out and the Slam Dunk Contest, which has been featured on ESPN for the past three years. Last year’s champion Able Joseph will be back to defend his title and “Werm” from Fort Lauderdale has already consented to come back to regain his crown.

The celebrity game this year will feature Members of Parliament combined with the Pastors who will play against a team comprised of senior members of the Police and Defence Forces. Additionally, the Reach Out Ministries from Freeport, Grand Bahama, will also be back.

Organised by Hope Centre and Youth Against Violence the aim of the event is to provide positive alternatives and solutions to crime and violence. Tournament organiser Carlos Reid said: “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 comes to a place where we can accept that no government or Police Force can solve or manage crime without the support of the people.”