Hoopin' it since '94

You might wonder how Thrive Sports has been organizing 3-on-3 basketball tournaments for 24 years, when it only launched officially last month. Here’s how.

Jeremy produced his first basketball tournament in 1994 for Abounding Grace Ministries, and they’ve continued the Lower East Side tradition ever since. Accounting for one unfortunate un-rescheduled rainout, July 14th marked the 23rd annual Abounding Grace Ministries/Generation Xcel basketball tournament.

Ballers from ages 10-18 competed to be the top team amidst a hundred contenders. Music echoed and the aroma of hot dogs and burgers enticed the senses of everyone who attended. The community came together and supported all the teams testing their skills. Even if they weren’t competing, youth enjoyed the sport on a separate court with friends.

Local emcee Kei-Landa Rembert performed and celebrated the community connection.

“I’ve been able to perform in other basketball tournaments but never one right in my home. This is my community and that’s what makes it so special to me. Sports and basketball is important because I think it’s a way to get the community to come together.”

At the end we all gathered around the D.J and announced the winners of both the junior and senior divisions and handed out trophies for first and second place, along with MVPs. The tournament referees awarded the tournament’s top “Character” trophy to Isaiah Fells for both his athleticism and sportsmanship. Great job and amazing show by all the competitors! We’ll do it in the LES again next year; in the meantime, we have four more tournaments scheduled this summer and our six week Beyond the Game Skills Academy in Industry City. Come through.

Enjoy our photo diary from the day.