BOX-OUT BULLYING

Basketball tourney to aid anti-bullying programs

TROY, N.Y. » For a third straight year, students and alumni from Catholic Central High School will team up Saturday to host the Box- Out Bullying 3- on- 3 basketball tournament.

Over the past three years the tournament has raised more than $12,500 for the CCHS Bullying Prevention Fund.

Organizers from CCHS and the One Dream Basketball League said this fund is used to create scholarships available to students transferring into CCHS to escape bullying at another high school. Additionally, money raised this year will go towards the establishment of new anti-bullying programs designed for middle and high school students.

Last year, this event saw more than 80 players take the court as more than 100 fans cheered them on.

Organizers expect this year’s tournament to be even bigger and better with the addition of a Family Fun Day and BBQ. The event will begin Saturday at 9 a.m. and continue until 5 p.m. inside the Catholic High School gymnasium on 7th Avenue.

The event helps kick- off Catholic Central’s yearlong Random Acts of Kindness Campaign, which is dedicated to spreading positive words, actions, and behaviors throughout the school community and beyond.

“We are really excited to once again be hosting the annual Box- Out Bullying Tournament. It has been so cool to see how the

event has grown over the last few years,” said John Reilly, one of the event organizers. “We’ve been able to build on our core message of always standing up for what is right on the court, in the locker room, and beyond. This issue has resonated with student-athletes, many of whom are familiar with stories of bullying, either online or in person. I’m looking forward to playing basketball tomorrow, but the really important work is continuing to build a culture of compassion in the sports world.”

Other activities on Saturday include live music performed by current CCHS students, a bounce house, dunk tank, face painting, and assorted lawn games.

Schedule of events for Saturday:

9 a.m. Family Fun Day Activities begin on William Carley Field

9 a.m.: Middle School division games begin

11 a.m.: Open Division Games start

1 p.m.: Official tournament start and opening ceremonies, including speeches and playing of the national anthem

1:30 p.m.: Competitive Division games begin

PHOTO PROVIDED. People participate in the 2017Box-Out Bullying basketball fundraiser tournament at Catholic Central High School.

PHOTO PROVIDED. A player in the 2017Box-Out Bullying basketball tournament fundraiser at Catholic Central High School goes for a slam dunk.

PHOTO PROVIDED. The first place team from last year’s Catholic Central High School Box-Out Bullying basketball tournament fundraiser pose for a photo.

PHOTO PROVIDED. People participate in last year’s Box-Out Bullying basketball tournament hosted by Catholic Central High School.