‘Hoop Up Springfield’ Basketball Tourney held at AIC

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The annual ‘Hoop Up Springfield Basketball Tournament’ and Summer Job Fair was held Monday at American International College.

The event which is sponsored by the Hampden District Attorney’s office, gives young people the opportunity to do something fun during their April vacation, refine their basketball skills, and the chance to learn about summer employment opportunities.

Nearly 200 students laced up their basketball sneakers for the annual ‘Hoop Up Springfield Basketball Tournament.’

Students age 11-18 were able to go toe to toe with Division 2 basketball players from both the men’s and women’s teams at AIC. Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni told 22News, “Those are important relationships even brief interactions because a lot of these young people look like them and can speak to them and say, ‘hey I grew up in Springfield, or if few up in a similar city with a similar background and now I’m playing Division 2 college basketball.”

These AIC student athletes, serving as coaches and mentors for these young athletes. “Kids see what can happen when you put your mind to playing a sport, putting your time and effort into it,” says Mike Lavato, Associate Athletic Director at AIC. “You can go to college on a basketball scholarship here. Get your education get out into the world and be a good citizen out there.”

15-year-old Jayden Vellon hopes to play for the NBA one day, this tournament serving as an invaluable experience to propel him forward in his pursuits, Vellon telling 22News, “They play at a high level and they have knowledge of the game. You can pick up on stuff, so hopefully you can play at a high level to.”

This tournament slash jobs fair exposes students pursuing a higher education, future career opportunities, and summer jobs to keep them engaged and preoccupied with positive activities during the summer.

“What’s really so important for our community and for public safety, is to give kids a sense of working and income, keep them away from bad things in the summer when they are out of school. It’s really a wonderful program that draws them in with basketball but also provides them with some really important life lessons.”

Aside from being a fun basketball tournament students also have the opportunity to about summer employment opportunities and interact with area employers. Students were able to talk to employers from Six Flags, and the Basketball Hall of Fame, and get a glimpse of the on-campus college experience.