Albertown residents will be treated to a Caricom Day three-a-side Inter-Street basketball competition this Sunday at the outdoor basketball court at the corner of Light and Second Streets, with over $100,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs.
The brainchild behind the idea is Albertown/Queenstown resident and businessman Arthur Richmond who believes that it is time to restore the one time home of street basketball as well as reignite unity among residents.
“Being a guy born and grow up in the area I saw the court went from a good state to that of being deplorable. The youths are not coming out to play like before so I think this event will help bring back the unity in the area,” Richmond said.
Teams will consist of four players with three players starting the match. Substitutions can be done at any time.
Richmond says entrance fee per team is $2,000. There will also be free BBQ but drinks will be on sale. Prior to Sunday’s event, the businessman will spearhead a massive cleanup and restoration drive around the court’s perimeter which commences at 16:00hrs tomorrow. This campaign is expected to see a new-look for the playing area with benches, bins among other things.
According to Richmond while participation from top street ballers is expected, persons will also be treated to an exhibition match by former top players.
He is hoping that the event could become an annual one where more and more sponsors and top players could become involved. Richmond also confirmed sponsorship from Maggie’s Snackette who donated a bench for the players, YogYog ice-cream parlor who donated one drum, Starbuds Café who will be making benches for the court and Ansa McAl and Tony’s Auto Spares.
