The Tribune

IT was a dream of Jabari Wilmott and Keron Pratt when they went to college in the United States that they would return home to give back to the local community of Fox Hill where they got to hone their basketball skills.

The two have combined their skills to produce the first Hooping by the Park Basketball Tournament on Freedom Park, Fox Hill. The tournament will kick off 7pm tonight following a brief opening ceremony at 6:30pm with teams in the ladies and the men's division participating.

On Saturday, the action will pick up at 9am when the under-16 and under-19 competitors will compete. The men will play again in the evening.

The competition continues 5pm Sunday and will include the slam dunk and three-point shooting competition as well as the playoffs. The finals in all divisions will be contersted on Monday starting at 5pm.

Wilmott, a 24-year-old and 2016 graduate of St John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota, and St Augustine's College (SAC) graduate, expressed sincere appreciation to the press, their strong sponsor, Rubis Bahamas Ltd, MP Shonel Ferguson and the Fox Hill Committee for making this tournament happen.

Also, Wilmott noted that basketball teams will be allowed to register on today (Friday, August 3).

Additionally, players must have the proper proof of identification in order to play and compete for the proposed annual basketball championship title and many cash giveaways.

Said Clinton Perce, a strong supporter and a 15-year member of the Fox Hill Festival committee: "It is a privilege to have a sporting event incorporated into the Festivals. "When Wilmott and Pratt requested to bring basketball back as a part of the festival, we welcomed (the basketball tournament) with open arms," noted Perce.

He also expressed sincere appreciation to Rubis Bahamas for stepping forward and sponsoring this tournament. O'Neil Bain, marketing programmes coordinator for Rubis Bahamas Limited, said: "Rubis is proud to be a sponsor and part of the "Hooping-by-the-Park" basketball tournament.

"Rubis is also focused and geared toward engaging youths in positive ventures as this and, is delighted to partner with Wilmott and the Fox Hill 2018 Festival, not only is Rubis elated to be a part of this sporting event, but also in other positive ventures throughout the island and The Bahamas," Bain added.

While the under-16, under-19 and ladies' division have a free registration, the men's division will be charged $200 per team with the teams playing for a cash prize at the end of the tournament. The other teams will be competing for trophies.