The 2nd Annual Hoops for Hope dominated action at the Lockview Park during this past weekend. Sixteen teams played basketball for a $2,000 First Place Prize. What was so cool is that they were playing for so much more!!
While ballers from the Tri-State played their hearts out on the court they were also helping others in this community who depend on good folks “coming together” for charitable acts.
This year’s host, Rise Above, a local non-profit company based in Louisa, seemed to embrace their role as host. They were able to raise nearly $10,000 from 2017’s tourney and further their stated goal of providing new playground equipment for Lockview Park. Rise Above will also be contributing some of the tournament’s proceeds toward the building of an observation deck overlooking the Big Sandy River.
Organizer Matt Brown, the driving force behind Hoops for Hope, is a proponent of ensuring that communities continue to provide their children with clean, healthy and sober options as they climb toward adulthood.
“If there are more fun-and-family friendly environments, children will be less likely to turn toward negative influences, like drugs and alcohol. If we have first class facilities and nice clean places for kids to use, they’re going to choose that over other things.”
A successful event like this past weekend’s never happens without dedicated sponsorship from a multitude of agencies, corporations, civic groups and individuals. The Hoops for Hope celebration was no exception. Brown posted shout-outs and thanks to a different sponsor, on Facebook Live, throughout Saturday and Sunday. The Levisalazer was proud to be involved.
Congrats to the Newness of Life team on taking home the championship trophy.
