Imagee Credit: Hoops in the Loops

By Adam Donnelly

HOOPS IN THE LOOPS

Block party and 3-on-3 basketball tournament return to downtown Kamloops next month

May 2, 2022 | 3:55 PM

KAMLOOPS — On the first weekend of June, back in 2019, the 300-block of Victoria Street was shut down for a block party and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. After a two-year pandemic-related hiatus, both events are back for 2022.

“We wanted to bring it back,” tournament organizer Sean Garvey explains. “It was such a well-received event back three years ago. Obviously, COVID put a damper on that. Truthfully, I think it’s just a celebration of sport, more than anything.”

The tournament has a new name for 2022. Officially dubbed Hoops in the ‘Loops, the format has expanded, and will now cover twice the area — both the 300- and 400-blocks of Victoria Street. This year, organizers have expanded the tournament, which now includes boys, girls, men’s and women’s divisions.

“This year I think it’s 21 [divisions] — it could be 22, we’re in the works of possibly adding one more. We want Grade 4 boys and girls, all the way up to folks who play semi-professional basketball. We want to encompass everyone who loves this game as much as I do.”

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This year, Allan Dodds has joined the organizing committee to help the event grow. As part of that growth, Hoops in the ‘Loops has partnered with KidSport Kamloops, to raise some funds for that organization.

“We’re on two blocks now — we want to be on the whole thing,” Dodds explains. “Ultimately, we want to be able to have this interview down the road where we’re giving a cheque to KidSport with the support of our athletes and our local sponsors.”

There are still some spots in the tournament for local teams from grade four and up to register if you want to play. Garvey says organizers are also looking for volunteers to help make sure the event goes smoothly.

“There’s not a lot of space left, so if [folks] are interested, I’d encourage them to get to www.HoopsintheLoops.com and get them registered,” Garvey says. “We’re looking for volunteers. We’ve got a pretty good pool, but if someone wants to be involved as more than just a spectator, we’d love to have you.”

As for the event itself, Garvey is hopeful the weather cooperates and the people of Kamloops come out to support the event.

“The level of play is going to be really, really high,” Garvey explains. “Just come down and take part. Hopefully, we get that good Kamloops weather. That’s all you can really ask for.”