08/19/2016
Are We “Hooping It Yet”?
For parents everywhere that have heard that relentless question, “Are we there yet?” when traveling on family vacation, going to the beach, the amusement park, the county fair, or holidays at grandma’s house, we really feel you. We have been experiencing the same sort of inquisition as the summer winds down and fall approaches, as the young and young at heart in the community want to know, “Are we hooping it yet?”, and the answer is a resounding, “Yes!
And just in case you don’t know, they are referring to the annual “Hooping it for Jesus 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament”, a community outreach event sponsored by the Community Service Department of Hope Mission in the town of Clarksville, Virginia. Co-directors, Steven and Rhonda Odemns began this event seven years ago and it has become an annual effort to reach out, especially to the youth, by having a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. The game of basketball serves as a platform to present the young people in our area positive information and alternatives to the detrimental behaviors that often plague their generation. Community leaders and clergy come out to speak to the attendees offering words of inspiration and encouragement, in a sincere effort to motivate them to steer clear of negative influences such as gangs, drug abuse, and violence. Each year a theme is chosen based on current events. This year’s theme will be “Bridging the Gap between Law Enforcement and the Youth, Part III”, with invited guest, Chief Jay Jordan of the Chase City Police Department. Chief Jordan will be returning once again to share some important knowledge that can save lives and prevent a lot of unnecessary heartache by informing the participants of the proper ways to interact with our brave men and women in blue who have taken on the responsibility of protecting and serving all citizens young and old. After all, knowledge is power, and it is Hope Missions’ goal to empower our young people to become the productive individuals needed to make our communities and this world a better place. Also, Pastor John Coaxum, a young and dynamic speaker, will be returning to inspire and offer guidance to a better way of navigating this journey, we call life, through practicing biblical principles and spiritual growth. And Hope Mission’s dedicated pastor, Frederick Betts will be there officiating the sign up station and overseeing the activities of the day. In previous years, youth have come in to participate from all over Mecklenburg and Halifax Counties, Granville County, NC, Richmond, VA, and even the states of New Jersey, New York, and Michigan.
The “Hooping it for Jesus 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament” consists of several different age brackets where teams of three compete to win the grand prize of $150.00 per bracket, each winning team member receiving $50.00 each. The brackets are organized by age: (just added last year)10-11 year olds, 12-13 year olds, 14-15 year olds, 16-17 year olds, and 18 years and older for the guys. The brackets for the ladies are determined by the number of participants. All participants and attendees enjoy grilled burgers, franks, chips, cookies, cupcakes, and drinks. Also, there are free gift bags for everyone. And did we mention, it’s all “FREE”!
The champion teams for last year were as follows: Ladies first. Angela Hardy, Diamond Robertson, and Dynasty Robertson dazzled the crowd and came out victorious! For the gentlemen: Team-Clev Cavs (10-11 year olds) Deion Revis, Kingston Ross,and Marquise Evans, Team- Thunder (12-13 year olds) D’montaz Ashe, Kejuan Hester, and JahTarius Houston, Team- A3B (14-15 year olds) Kareem Mason, Kwahli Hester, and Carleon Robertson, Team- Light Up (16-17 year olds) Antwaun Tucker, Keith Patrick, and Damon Hardy. And Team-Undefeated (representing the 18 and above bracket) Tremayne Wilson, who played on the former three time championship team, Cordaro Boyd, also a former three time championship team member, and Aaron Hill, did not disappoint in their display of top notch b-ball skills on the court. Congratulations to all our champions and get ready to defend your titles because Sunday, September 4, 2016, at the Clarksville Community Court, across from the Clarksville Community Center located at 103 Woodland Drive, we will be doing it again! Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. Anyone under 18 years of age must have their parent or guardian sign their permission slips which will be available at both the Clarksville and Chase City YMCA’s, as well as other locations around the community.
