Henrico to host Hoop It Up 3-on-3 basketball tournament in August

Community members of all ages will have the opportunity to participate in two days of shooting hoops, showing school spirit and learning about violence prevention at Fairfield Middle School’s new community courts.

The Henrico Schools Office of Family and Community Engagement has partnered with Hoop It Up to host a 3-on-3 basketball tournament as part of its annual Back To School celebration on Aug. 11-12.

HCPS Community Partnerships and Resources Coordinator Virginia Hansom organized the event as a way to increase family engagement and parent involvement in the Henrico County Public School community.

The students are excited because their parents are excited about the Hoop It Up brand coming to the county, explained Hansom. The organization was created in 1989 and has taken its 3-on-3 tournament concept to cities throughout the nation since then. Former NBA star Kevin Garnett purchased the group nearly four years ago.

Hansom worked with Varina District Supervisor Tyrone Nelson, who facilitated a collaboration between Hansom’s office and members of Henrico’s Recreation and Parks to use the Fairfield basketball courts, which opened last spring.

Participants will kick off the event on Aug. 11 with a pep rally during which new and returning students and their families can get to know each other. Families also will learn about changes to schedules and policies that they can expect in the upcoming academic year. In addition, attendees can start the fun early by participating in free-throw and 3-point contests while teams are checking in. There also will be an annual backpack and school supplies giveaway.

On Aug. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the 3-on-3 tournament and a slam dunk contest will take place. Participants will also finish the free throw and 3-point contests.

Students play for free, and teams will consist of three to five players. Each team will play at least four games.

In between matches, participants will have the opportunity to hear from speakers about gun and violence prevention as part of a collaborative effort between The Office of Family and Community Engagement and the Building Constructive Communities Foundation, a Henrico nonprofit that aims to promote the health and wellness of youth and their families.

It’s important to put on safe events during the summertime that will give young people and the whole community something to be excited about, said Nelson.

Hansom wanted to address the topic of gun violence because of two Henrico county students who were gunned down last year.

“I wanted to do something that was relevant, responsive and refreshing for the community,” she said.

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Learn more or register for the Hoop It Up 3-on-3 tournament here.