Hoops for Troops will be this weekend
By Joey Pitchford
Published in News on April 7, 2017 9:57 AM
Last year, the Hoops with Troops basketball tournament brought airmen and Goldsboro civilians closer together through friendly competition at Dillard Middle School.
This year, the event is back for a second go-round. The second annual Hoops with Troops tournament will take place Saturday and Sunday at Goldsboro High School, and will feature 24 teams across three age brackets competing for trophies.
Teams are sponsored by community members, small businesses and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and team entry costs $30. Entry to the games costs $3.
The tournament is designed to be a fundraiser for Dillard Academy Public Charter School, which organizer Uhuru Ulyesse said has given back to the community through mentorship, after school programs and food supply donations.
"The thing about Dillard Academy, when they have after school programs, it's free. Summer school programs, it's free. They have the garden, the food bank, people go in and get bags of food," he said. "They serve the community."
Ulyesse, also known as "Coach Freedom," works for Dillard Academy's after school program. He said that last year's event brought together far more people than expected, and he hopes for a similar turnout this year.
He also said that local businesses have the opportunity to set up booths to promote themselves free of charge.
"Businesses can come in and set up a booth, pass out fliers, sell their products, for free. You can't beat that," he said.
Games start in the 9-12 age group at 10 a.m., followed by the 13-17 bracket at 10:30 and the 18 and older group at 11. The teams will play on until 4 p.m. Saturday night, and the winners in each bracket will meet in the semifinals on Sunday. Starting with the 9-12 bracket, the final games will be played at 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. in order of age bracket.
For more information on attending or volunteering, contact Ulyesse at 919-648-5796, Thomas Smith at 919-581-0128, or Michael Barbato at 252-288-9153.
Heavy Soul Foods, Dillard Academy, Boys Club, Gold Squad, Uhuru Freedom, Team Dawson, Harvey Moving Company, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Dudley Hispanic All Stars, Squad Up, Head Quarters Barber Shop, Demarco Chiropractor and Bless Beauty Salon are sponsors of the event.