The Center, the Hudson Valley Women’s Association & Friends and the Town of Highlands Recreation Department will work together again this winter to put on the annual youth basketball tournament, March Mania.
To be held over two weekends — March 8-9 and 15-16 — it will feature some good coed basketball competition, prizes, giveaways, games, food and music. It’s a family-oriented event.
Players must be in grades five through eight. Cost to participate is $20 per player, which includes a skills camp and a jersey. The absolute last day to sign up for the tournament is February 22. (There will be online signups, more details to follow.)
Children not eligible to play in the tournament can still be entered ($2) for drawings and games.
Volunteers are needed to man concessions (‘taco-in-a- bag’, anyone?), raffles, run the clock, coach, keep the book and handle admissions. Organizers are hoping students looking for volunteer hours for college applications, National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, JROTC or confirmation hours will donate some time. Anyone else who wants to volunteer will also be welcome, in pre-tournament work, etc.
This is the seventh year of the tournament, and new features, organizer Desiree Talley said, will include an adult round of play — for that, sponsorship by a local business is required. There will also be an educational component to the tournament, with representatives from Orange County’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council on hand with games, raffles, information, etc.
“The Center started this tournament with humble beginnings,” Talley said in announcing this year’s dates. “With the help of the Recreation Department and Aaron Falk, the tournament is growing and improving. So many people add to the success of it every year and we want this to continue to be a community event. We want children in this community to see that the community supports them, wants to watch them play, and wants them to have fun. Please come and be a part of our effort to bring the community together!”
Persons or businesses looking to make contributions toward the tournament (sponsorships of children unable to afford the fee, raffle prizes, etc.) can contact Talley or Ann Molina, or stop by The Center at 274 Main St.
