Image Credit: Hoops in the Loops

By Adam Donnelly

HOOPS IN THE LOOPS

Local 3-on-3 basketball tourney set to take over downtown June 1 and 2

May 16, 2024 | 6:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — In just three weeks, Victoria Street between Third and Fifth Avenues will transform from a normal city street to a mecca for three-on-three basketball.

“June 1 and 2, we shut down Victoria Street between Third and Fifth (Avenues). We’ll probably have about eight of our nine courts set up,” Sean Garvey, Hoops in the Loops founder, explains. “Divisions from gare four boys and girls all the way up to competitive men’s and women’s.”

Hoops in the Loops is back for its fourth year. The tournament raises funds for the local chapter of KidSport Canada, which helps fund young athletes who otherwise might not have been able to get into the game.

“It’s a fundraiser for KidSport and we’ve actually donated quite a bit of money. We’re in the process of donating last year’s funds,” Garvey says. “It’s a complete charity event. None of the organizers get paid to do this.”

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With more than 300 participants who play in the tournament, the event also draws thousands into the downtown core as supporters and spectators.

“About 6,000 people, I think, rolled through the street over the two days,” Garvey says. “Our peak, I think someone measured us at around 3,200 or something like that. Hopefully, it’s really good for the restaurants and stores.”

With three weeks left to register for the event, Garvey says they are looking for teams across all open divisions. However, he’s hopeful more female teams and athletes decide to participate.

“We’re always solid with the boys. We always need more girls. More girls playing, more girls divisions. If we can really load up on the girl’s divisions this year, I think it’ll be a really successful tournament.”

For more information, you can visit HoopsInTheLoops.com.