Falls hosting 3-on-3 hoops

North America’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament is coming to the region.

The Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball All-World Tour is coming to Niagara Falls for the first time ever.

Scheduled to take place Sept, 22-24 on Queen Street in downtown Niagara Falls, the tournament is expected to host more than 200 teams.

Action begins Friday, Sept. 22 with early bird registration and officially tips off the following day with opening ceremonies taking place at 8 a.m.

Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball started in 1974 by Scott McNeal in his parents’ driveway basketball court in Lowell, Mich.

What began with 18 friends playing competitively for $18 each has grown ever since.

Since 1987, the Macker Tour has expanded, holding both indoor and outdoor tournaments in more than 75 cities, with upwards of 200,000 players and 1.7 million spectators.

This year Gus Macker will be stopping in more than 40 cities, with all tournament proceeds benefiting charitable causes.

Money raised at the Canadian tournament will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario and Heart Niagara, both of which help thousands of Canadians annually.

“We are very honoured to have been chosen as the charitable recipients of the Gus Macker Tournament,” said Catherine Bridgman, chief executive officer for Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario.

“A third of the families we serve annually come from the Niagara Region and we are so thankful to the wonderful community organizations that support us and help keep families close to their sick children.”

Entry forms and information can be found on the Gus Macker Canada Website: gusmackercanada.com.

Entry fee is US$116 per four-person team. Everyone from seasoned pro to ageless amateur is welcome to participate.

More information is available online at www.macker.com.