New Haven’s Mayor Harp joins Bridgeport, Hartford mayors in announcing basketball tourney

New Haven’s Mayor Harp joins Bridgeport, Hartford mayors in announcing basketball tourney:

New Haven Youth Service Director Jason Bartlett said he’s expecting several hundred teams to participate in the tournament, which will feature teams comprised of ages starting at 8, all the way to adult teams 18 and over from all three cities. Bartlett said the aim of the tournament is to encourage youths to interact with peers from other cities. The tournament will create a competitive but fun environment. Other family activities will be available at the city Green the weekend of the event for folks not participating in the event.

“Hoop It Up” is part of a nationwide competition that holds similar competitions in other cities, including Dallas, Houston and Foley, Alabama, in August.

“‘Hoop It Up’ is meant to help young people learn about working together and teamwork,” Harp said in her remarks. “Playing teams from Hartford and Bridgeport also helps them learn how they’re part of a bigger picture — that young people in other parts of Connecticut are very much like they are, with comparable talent, ambitions and challenges.”