After a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic, Youth Speak's annual Hoops Youth Charity Basketball tournament is back.
Sponsored by Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Centre, the June 4 all-day event is an opportunity to "get outdoors and do something fun" while supporting mental and physical health, said Youth Speak founder and executive director Una Wright.
The tournament is free and open to all youth in York Region. Participants will be divided into two divisions with teams age 13 to 17 in one and those 18 and over in another.
Winners of each division will receive a $500 cash prize, with $250 handed out to teams that finish in second place.
Family, friends and the Newmarket community can enjoy free food and music while they cheer on the teams, and donations for the cost of food is encouraged.
According to a 2013 University of Toronto media release, even moderate exercise can prevent episodes of depression in the long term.
"We really wanted to provide a fun and positive activity for youth, especially during these times but, in general, you need positive things to engage in," said Wright.
The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Mulock Outdoor Courts (beside Terry Fox Public School at 161 Sawmill Valley Dr.).
Visit Youth Speak to register your team; registration is on a first come, first serve basis.
Youth Speak is an online and in-person youth-led charity that promotes well-being, compassion and hope through the sharing of personal stories. To date, Youth Speak has held almost 3,000 speaking events and reached more than 318,000 students.
