City will host basketball, wheelchair tournaments

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Officials with the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association recently voted to award the 2020 GRPA Class A state boys 10 and under basketball tournament to the city of Tucker, marking the first time the city has hosted such an event, according to a press release. The tournament will be played in the renovated gymnasium at Tucker Recreation Center.

“We are excited about hosting such a prestigious event,” said Parks and Recreation Director Rip Robertson. “This is a very high-quality tournament and very competitive. By sharing the vision for improving our facilities, our mayor and city council have helped us to land a really big tournament.”

Eight qualifying teams from around the state will have pool play March 6, followed by single elimination play March 7.

“Having this tournament in the city of Tucker was an easy call,” said GRPA Executive Director Steve Card. “A brand-new gymnasium situated nearby great restaurants, hotels and shopping opportunities near historic Main Street will enhance the experience for all who attend the tournament. The Tucker Parks and Recreation staff is a great team of professionals who understand how to offer a high quality event.”

Tucker will also host the first state-wide wheelchair basketball tournament for youth and adults. The city has already purchased two sports chairs with the assistance of an Atlanta Hawks grant, in hopes of encouraging the community to come and participate. This tournament would also be hosted at Tucker gymnasium at the end of March.

Earlier this year, the city allocated $275,000.00 to renovate Tucker Recreation Center’s gymnasium. The decision came after strong community input during the City’s Parks Master Plan process. The renovation will allow new sports like basketball, volleyball and pickleball to be played at the Recreation Center.

Sign-ups for the city’s first youth basketball league are active now at www.tuckerga.gov/parks

Northern Ridge Boy Scout District’s newest Eagle Scouts: Christopher Elza (top left to right) of Troop 9962, Lorin Tady of Troop 40, Luke Tucker of Troop 143, Jacob Avery of Troop 10, Matthew Erickson of Troop 7747, Cooper Medved of Troop 1717, Aanjan Sikal of Crew 605. Saurav Sharma (bottom left to right) of Troop 27, Samuel Glover of Troop 431, Cameron Kopp of Troop 429, John Riordan of Troop 1134, Pranav Viswanadha of Troop 69.