UTICA, N.Y. -- "Hoops and dreams is basketball with a message," said Patrick Johnson, founder of Hoops & Dreams.
A message to help bring the local community together. The annual summer tournament is in its seventh year. The goal is to use the game of basketball to help inspire and motivate people to never give up on life.
"We all need a charge at times, we all need a boost. And if you feel like you're out of step or if you're off track, hey it's never too late, get back up and get back on track," said Johnson.
The theme for this weekend’s tournament is "back to life," which is living life to its full potential. Games will be going on throughout the weekend giving people the chance to get out and be active.
"For me it's just fun. I like to do it. I love to play basketball, I love to play sports. I play for the crowd so it gets everybody involved," said Andre Bowes, a player in the tournament.
Everybody needs a little motivation at times to help get them back up when they're down. As News 10 Now's Jim Gibbons explains, one group in Utica is using the game of basketball to help inspire and educate the local community.
Friday night's games were played at the Mohawk Valley Community College because of rain, but the remainder of the tournament will be played out in Proctor Park. Of course that's if the weather cooperates. But it's not just about basketball. There will be motivational speakers who will be there to educate and inform the players about the positive changes they can bring to their community.
"We're going to be looking at a number of issues that are quite broad. However, we do say that even though many of our messages target the African American community, just about anybody can learn from the messages that our speakers bring," said Johnson.
"To get messages across about really decreasing violence in the black community and working on preventing drugs and AIDS, teen pregnancy, many things," said Denise Cavanough, YWCA Executive Director.
Although the rosters have been filled, the event is still open to the public. Games continue Saturday morning at ten at Proctor Park in Utica. If it rains, the events will be held in the Mohawk Valley Community College gymnasium.