Albany Parks and Recreation to host middle school youth basketball tournament

ALBANY, Ga. – Albany’s Parks and Recreation Department is gearing up for hosting a major regional sports event in December. One director Steven Belk is hoping becomes a holiday tradition.

The new event is a middle school basketball tournament being held in the middle of the month.

Belk says that while high school basketball tournaments have been a tradition in the area, he wanted to give middle schoolers across the area a piece of the pie.

“Why not? Because there’s a whole lot of things about wanting to come for the youth. You know as well as I know that if we can create more programs and activities that curtail crime and keep the kids active; and in the month of December, why not have something to do in that month of December?” said Steven Belk, Director, Albany Parks and Recreation.

Belk’s plan over the course of a few days is to bring kids and their families into the Good Life City.

And, they’re going to be coming from across southwest Georgia.

“They’re coming from Dougherty county, Lee county, Tift county, Terrell county, Bibb county. So, we’re asking all of the counties represented to bring a lot of people to root your team on. It’s going to be fun. It’s going to be impactful…” said Belk.

The timing of the new tournament is also worth note to Belk because while the city of Albany does have the Celebration of Lights parade going on, there’s a major gap in the city’s calendar that he wanted to fill.

“After the Celebration of Lights parade, people ask, ‘What else to do?’ So we’re trying to create more programs and activities, and through the city of Albany Recreation and Parks, and collaborating with other partners to create this tournament for Albany…” said Belk.

And, Belk says this is also a golden opportunity for many of the middle school-aged kids to play on a big stage.

“This is a good time to do it, because not only do they have the opportunity to play basketball, but we’re going to bring some young men and women here, and help them explore what else the city of Albany offers too…” said Belk.

While it won’t be for another month, Belk is excited to welcome surrounding counties into the Good Life City for some friendly competition.

Tickets will go on sale on Friday, December 1st.

And, the tournament will start on Saturday, December 16th.

Brian Roche reporting.

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