“Hoops in the Hood is a sports-based, community safety initiative that creates safe spaces for youth to interact and build positive relationships with peers and caring adults while making visible use of public spaces and fostering a sense of community.” This year, more than 400 young people participated at the city wide basketball tournament that took place in downtown Chicago.
The players came from 22 different neighborhoods to compete for tournament prizes and to claim the title as 2019 champion. Due to the heavy rain, the tournament was shut down half way through the event and eventually finished at the Attack Athletics Center. The New Life Centers basketball program, La Villita Basketball, brought two teams to compete this year. All of the players showed exceptional teamwork, communication and great defense. The team that was competing in the older age bracket made it to the finals and was able to claim the title of Hoops in the Hood Champions!
