Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Newark native and NBA basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal will host the Believe in Newark 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament for high-school age youth championship games on Saturday, August 22, at noon, on Broad Street, in front of City Hall.
Two Newark boys’ teams and two girls’ teams will face off in simultaneous championship games at the event, and the winners will be the city-wide champions of this tournament, whose preliminary rounds were held at the John F. Kennedy Recreation Center on August 15 and 16.
“We are grateful to Newark native, NBA legend, and business entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal for his continued commitment to the City of his birth, its people, and our continued transformation. His support has been seen at the economic level with the revitalization of our Multiplex Theater on Springfield Avenue and the construction of the first luxury apartment building in our downtown in 50 years. His commitment to our residents is being seen in tournaments like this one, which enable our youth to become city-wide stars, while learning valuable life lessons about teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. This is the kind of youth activity we want to see in our streets, and I look forward to joining all of my neighbors and fellow Newarkers – including Shaquille O’Neal – to cheer on these future hoops stars on Saturday,” said Mayor Baraka.
The event is free and open to the public. Pre-game ceremonies will begin at 11 a.m.
