Hoops in the Loops on June 4 and 5 (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Connor Gunn

HOOPS IN THE LOOPS

Kamloops hit the streets for Hoops in the Loops weekend

Jun 6, 2022 | 5:29 PM

KAMLOOPS — For the first time since 2019, the Hoops in the Loops 3-on-3 basketball tournament hit the streets this past weekend.

The public event saw thousands of people on the streets supporting local businesses, watching some hoops and listening to live music.

People of all ages competed in the local Hoops in the Loops event.

Although there was a rain delay Sunday (June 5) morning moving some events to the courts at the Thompson Rivers University, the community came out to support the competition.

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“The community support was unbelievable. Not only do you need spectators, you need businesses to sponsor you need local businesses to support. The City of Kamloops was amazing, (Kamloops) Sports Council was amazing, the downtown businesses were amazing — whether it was financials to gifts we couldn’t do without,” said organizer Sean Garvey.

The weather cooperated on Saturday, allowing families and participants from all over the BC and even across Canada to take part in the tournament, face painting, courtside haircuts and restaurant patios.

Participants had only positive things to say about the community and the event.

“Yeah, it was really cool seeing the people walking down the street and watching our games, and even here at TRU people watching our games. It was really cool,” said one participant.

More than 70 teams played in the event, ranging from Grade 4 kids to university players — and even semi-professional players.

“It was an amazing weekend and an amazing opportunity to have fun playing basketball outdoors with friends. It was an amazing time,” another participant added.

“I had a bunch of family coming out and had a bunch of people from different teams competing. It was really fun.”

Garvey says the impact the tournament has on children goes beyond the weekend and beyond basketball.”

“All profits will go to Kidsport. I don’t take a wage — none of the community takes a wage — we pay the bills and hopefully there’s a lot of money left over for Kidsport. If it helps one kid, great, but if it helps dozens that’s even better.”