Syracuse, NY – Syracuse Housing Authority (SHA) is excited to announce the opening weekend of our annual $10K Youth Basketball Tournament, set to take place on July 13th, 27th, and 28th at Wilson Park. This event aims to provide a positive and enriching experience for vulnerable youth in Syracuse and Onondaga County.
Our tournament combines basketball with outreach initiatives, connecting youth to caring adults and positive activities. This year’s event will include training camps and tournament days, featuring mini-classes on crucial topics such as financial literacy, health and wellness, education, and conflict resolution.
Since the start of our tournament in 2021, none of our participants have fallen victim to gun violence. This success is a testament to the effectiveness of our approach in creating a safe and nurturing environment for young individuals.
In addition to the tournament, SHA will award the $5K Brexialee Torres Ortiz Memorial Scholarship during the weekend of 07/27. This scholarship honors Brexialee Torres Ortiz, whose tragic departure due to gun violence on January 16, 2023, left a profound impact on our community. The tournament aims to engage at-risk youth and connect them with positive, caring adults in the community.
Opening ceremonies, led by Executive Director Simmons and other distinguished guests, will commence at 10am.
Image by Schorsch from Pixabay
