LAWRENCE — A community basketball tournament designed to promote teamwork, discipline and connection with friends celebrated its 10th anniversary with hundreds of kids attending.
For the past decade, state Rep. Frank Moran has hosted a youth basketball tournament with Lawrence police. On Saturday, with the Howard Playstead as its backdrop, kids played hoop, were awarded scholarships, enjoyed ice cream and built camaraderie.
The event, launched in 2016, is held every summer in coordination with the Lawrence Police Department, Suenos Basketball, and a group of dedicated volunteers from across the city.
“This tournament demonstrates how sports and teamwork can build connection, identity and integrity in a community,” said Moran, D-Lawrence.
“I am grateful to everyone who participated in this event, especially the many volunteers who took time out of their summer to bring this tournament to life. Watching the City of Lawrence come together to support the players is the highlight of my year,” he said.
This year’s recipients of scholarships from the Felix A. Moran Foundation, created in honor of Moran’s late brother, were announced. They are: Randy Guzman, Yazzlyn Peralta and Luz del Alba Diaz, all of whom will attend college this fall to further their academic careers.
LPD officers served as tournament referees and volunteers, donated food and ice cream, and raffled off bikes to the youths in attendance.
“The Lawrence Police Department welcomes any opportunity to engage with our young people, especially through activities that bring the community together,” said Lt. Joseph “Jay” Cerullo.
“LPD has gotten a firsthand experience of the positive impact this tournament has had on our city, and our officers are, as always, thrilled to once again take part in the tradition,” Cerullo said.
“This event has grown to be so much more than just a basketball tournament,” said Martha Velez, the city’s human service director.
“It is an annual celebration of the Lawrence community, reflective of the outpouring of dedication that goes toward uplifting our young people and ensuring they are given every opportunity to succeed,” Velez said.
Event sponsors include Dalton & Finegold, LLP, the City of Lawrence, Lawrence Recreation Department, New Balance, Syramad Properties, Commonwealth Motors, Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, Shaw’s and Star Market, Lawrence Vietnam Memorial Committee, Cibao Atlantico, Almanzar Insurance, Gemline and DJ Nero.