By Staff
Whether you play basketball, watch basketball, or know nothing about the game -- lace up your sneakers and head out to the 5th Annual Southwest Michigan Gus Macker 3-on-3 street basketball tournament for plenty of family-oriented, action-packed fun, to benefit Junior Achievement of Michiana!
On June 1-20, Benton Harbor's Riverview Drive between Britain and Gray, overlooking the St. Joseph River, will be converted into an outdoor basketball festival!
Officials expect more than 1,000 players to participate, particularly since several cities in Michigan and Northern Indiana who previously have held tournaments are not holding them this year.
This year's sponsors include Whirlpool Corporation, Fifth Third Bank, Domino's Pizza, WIRX and the Park Inn in Stevensville.
Registration forms and brochures are now available at sponsor locations in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, by calling JA of Michiana at 983-7579 or from JA of Michiana's website at michiana.ja.org.
The registration fee for a four-person team is $100, which includes a Gus Macker 2004 T-shirt and three guaranteed games.
Mailed applications must be postmarked by midnight, May 28. If you register online through www.macker.com, you must do so by May 31, 2004.
(Please note: there is an additional $5 processing fee for online registrations this year.)
The world's largest 3-on-3 street basketball tournament was started in 1974 by a young boy with the nickname of Gus Macker.
He loved the game of basketball and decided to host a 3-on-3 competitive tournament with 18 friends on his parents' driveway in Lowell, Michigan.
The tournament continued to grow and spread to other communities. Now, Gus Macker is a well-known basketball event all over the United States and Canada.
Teams are of all ages, tall/short, female/male, and all skill levels. The event encourages family teams, student teams, business teams, and teams of all kinds to participate. Players and spectators will come from a five-state area including Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Even if you don't play, there is plenty for you to see and do. From cheering on your friends and family to watching the famous "Slam Dunk" contest it's great entertainment for all.
The SW MI tournament even features a "Kidz Kourt" with activities for children age 7 and younger.
Those who prefer to participate "behind the scenes" may volunteer for a variety of positions such as "Gus Busters" (referees), registration, scorekeepers, and trophy distribution. Several non-profit organizations will benefit from the opportunity to sell food and non-alcoholic beverages along with parking. Proceeds from the event itself benefit Junior Achievement of Michiana's in-school economic education programs.
Teams can register online at www.macker.com.
For more information, to request a Gus Macker registration brochure, or to volunteer, please visit the Junior Achievement of Michiana web site at http://michiana.ja.org or call the JA office at (269) 983-7579.
Whether you're a seasoned pro, a weekend warrior, or an ageless amateur at the game of basketball, the MACKER is for you!