Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community youth gathered for one last hurrah before the school season began. On the weekend of Aug. 7, students headed to the Ske:g Himdag Ki: gymnasium for the Back to the School Yard Youth Basketball Tournament, hosted by Community Recreational Services Athletics.

The tournament featured 16 co-ed teams of players ranging from second grade to eighth grade. Each court was packed with families and friends who were excited to cheer on their star athletes.

Recreation Coordinator 1 Joseph Schurz explained why it was important to host this event for the youth. “We are always focused on creating a safe, healthy, fun and family atmosphere where kids can recreate,” he said. Throughout the year, teams practice not only basketball skills but also teamwork and proper sportsmanship. “[The tournament] was an experience to have fun, socialize and compete with friends. Also, it’s a great way to show off the skills they have been practicing to family and friends,” said Schurz. He shared that his favorite part of the event was “watching the families enjoying the kids playing, and their smiling faces.”

The team called And 1 took the title as champions of the second and third grade division. WMB swept their division and were the fourth and fifth grade champions. Double R showed up and cleared out the competition, taking the champions title for the division of sixth to eighth grade.

Recreation Services staff members received amazing feedback from families, such as the friendliness of the staff and the good prices at the concession stand and at the door. Families also expressed their appreciation for how accommodating the building was for an event this size.

Community Recreation Services hopes to host this event again for many years to come. They would like to thank all the teams and families for attending.