Boston NAACP hosts 3rd annual basketball tournament

The Boston Branch of the NAACP hosted their third annual Shooting to New Heights Basketball Tournament Saturday. Created in 2012, this tournament has brought together Boston youth to promote academics, teamwork, leadership, and healthy living through sports.

“To empower Boston youth to reach their full potential, we have to reach them not only in the classrooms, but in the parks, the community centers, and the basketball courts,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “Initiatives like the Boston NAACP’s effort to engage youth through athletics and education speak to how dynamic our communities truly are. The tournament connected young people to great tools and inspire them to take control of their future.”

The Dorchester YMCA, MassVote, Mayor Walsh and the City of Boston’s Center for Youth and Families, Grove Hall Trust, and No Books No Balls teamed up to make the tournament possible this year.

“We want them to come prepared to play and win — in both basketball and life,” said Michael Curry, president of the Boston NAACP. “We plan to connect them to resources, register them to vote and equip them a network of fans who will have their backs. This is definitely more than a game.”

“We are exposing young people to the importance of community service and civic engagement, while sharing our love for basketball,” said Emmanuelle Renelique, chair of the Boston NAACP’s Youth Works Committee. “The tournament is also our opportunity to introduce youth to our Fall Workshop Series on topics like resume writing, maintaining healthy relationships and preparing college applications.”

All ages were welcomed to participate in this fun-filled community event, with DJ Smoov, door prizes, and a chance to sign up to become a volunteer for the NAACP Youth Works Committee.

The tournament took place on Nov. 8 at the Grove Hall Community Center, 51 Geneva Avenue in Roxbury.