Basketball Fun For All – For A Good Cause  – At Annual Tourney

By Andy Hutchison

The sound of sneakers squeaking and basketball’s bouncing off the gymnasium floor at Newtown High School continued from morning through night Sunday, December 11, as more than 250 boys and girls (more boys than girls) of a variety of ages competed in the Annual Giorno/Newtown Basketball Benevolent Association Memorial 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament — an all day, fun-filled, fundraising affair.

The tournament, for the ninth year, continued to honor the memory of John Giorno, a good friend of Newtown basketball, who succumbed to cancer in 2002. The tourney took on the name Harmon in memory of former Newtown Bee Sports Editor Kim Harmon following his passing a handful of years ago, and has a variation to its name this year because many more sports families are now assisted through proceeds of the event.

Tourney director John Quinn, along with officials Bob Lapple, Jack Shpunt, David Hamula, and Kyle Lyddy, were hard at work during the daylong event, ensuring fun, yet competitive games were held in support of several families with Newtown sports ties. All of the proceeds, from registration to raffle collections, benefit families in town who have suffered the sudden death of a loved one.

“Yet again, the community steps up,” Quinn said of the support, which included not only player participation but involvement of 30 or so high school volunteers and another two dozen parent/adult volunteers.

Quinn said he was a bit concerned about how the turnout would be since the event location and day was moved from its previous arrangement — from Newtown Youth Academy to the high school, and from a Saturday to a Sunday. Quinn pointed out that Sunday is generally a family day, and was encouraged by what he said was the largest turnout in the past two or three years.

“People meet with tragedy and heartbreak, and disappointment,” said Quinn, adding that two more families were added to the cause this year.

Tournament age groups ranged from third grade through high school to adults. The format was double elimination, ensuring that every team played at least two games. Trophies were awarded, and shooting contests were held.

Silent Auction winners were to be notified via a phone call within a week after the event, and prizes will be available for pick up at the Newtown Parks & Recreation office beginning Monday, December 19, Quinn said. Check back in upcoming print editions or on The Bee’s sports webpage for a list of winners.