The New Westminster Police Department’s inaugural 3-on-3 basketball tournament was a great success, according to organizers.
The mini tournament, held at Moody Park on Saturday, saw 60 kids hit the court throughout the day while another 25 or so kids dropped by to take in the action.
“The tournament was great. Everyone was respectful, good play and, obviously, the weather turned out great too, so it all kind of came together,” said youth services coordinator Ryan Weber.
The event was put on by New Westminster Police Department school liaison officer Const. Gerald Lau in partnership with New Westminster Youth Services and the parks and rec department. The goal was to engage with an older demographic of kids to help create a long-lasting relationship, Lau said.
“That’s the whole things right, engaging these kids at an age where we can make that little bit of difference,” he said.
With one event under his belt, Lau said he and his crew are already looking at what they can improve for next year’s event. His hope is to get more middle school kids out as well as some girls – enough for their own division.
One things is for sure though, there will definitely be another match between the youth and police.
“We’ll basically pit the all-stars against our team and see what happens,” Lau chuckled.
