STATE COLLEGE — There’s a new tourney in town.
The Bob Perks Fund will host its first-ever Summer Slam 3v3 Basketball Tournament. The event is scheduled to take place Saturday, June 4, at the State College YMCA, 677 W. Whitehall Road in State College.
According to Doreen Perks, the Summer Slam is an event unlike any other in Centre County.
“It’s our first-ever basketball tournament,” Perks said. “It’s open to boys, girls, men, women … pretty much anyone of any age. We just want to get everyone out to have some fun, play some basketball and raise some money.”
The tournament will be a one-day event and teams consist of four players. However, only three play at a time. The age groups are: 8 and under, 10 and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, 16 and under, 18 and under, over 18 competitive and over 18 recreational.
The response has been good, but not great, according to Perks. She said that she’s hopeful that Summer Slam will grow as time goes by. She cited Hoops Fest in Tyrone as a reason to believe it will be a success.
“The first time they did it, 16 years ago, they had 11 teams. We just want to put it out there, let people have fun and I’m sure this will grow and grow,” Perks said.
Cost to play is $80 per team, or $20 per player.
Perks said that she doesn’t have a goal as far as number of teams participating is concerned, but “our goal is for everyone to come and have fun. I don’t anticipate it being overly competitive.
“I think that Hoops Fest is fairly competitive and my hope is that ours will grow into that, but you don’t have to be an all-star basketball player to come out and have fun.”
According to Perks, Summer Slam will be a true family event. In addition to basketball, there will be a bounce house for kids along with face painting and concessions. And, as far as venue is concerned, she said the State College YMCA was a no-brainer.
“It is a great facility and the YMCA has been so amazing. They’ve totally bought in. They’re helping out with set up and everything. They couldn’t be more supportive of what we’re doing.”
Perks is hoping the tournament can raise between $10,000 and $12,000.
“We’ve done really well with the sponsorships for the event,” she said. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed. We’re well on our way.”
For more information about the tournament or to volunteer, visit www.bobperksfund.org.
IF YOU GO
What: Bob Perks Fund Summer Slam 3v3 Basketball Tournament
When: Saturday, June 4
Where: State College YMCA
More info: www.bobperksfund.org
