Ballers in the region are preparing for the third annual Tribal Nation Tournament (TNT) which is taking place at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre this week.
The first game of the TNT will be happening Thursday, Oct. 25, with the final game taking place Sunday, Oct. 28.
“I encourage everyone and anyone to come down and enjoy a weekend of good basketball for the third annual Tribal Nation Tournament,” organizer Conrad Lewis said.
Lewis has organized basketball tournaments in the region for 30 years, including the annual Festive “C”son Challenge which in 2013 will be the 22nd annual, and the Jim Ciccone Memorial 3 on 3 Challenge which will be the 15th annual next year.
Lewis created the TNT three years ago, and hopes it continues to establish
itself.
“People felt there was a need for a tournament in the early part of the season to kick start it, and to give them motivation to start training earlier,” Lewis explained.
This year, teams from Prince Rupert, Lax Kw’alaams, Kitkatla, Kitimat and Bella Bella playing in divisions including Senior Men, Intermediate Men and Women.
Lewis hopes the tournament continues to grow to the point where teams from all over compete in it. Lewis has contacted teams in other provinces and the United States, however at this point they haven’t entered.
“In the future we’ll be looking into expanding,” Lewis said, acknowledging the tournament is still establishing itself.
Admission fees to watch games in the tournament are moderate, says Lewis.
“Given the economic status at this point, we want to make sure it’s affordable for families to come and enjoy some really great basketball.”
Basketball fans can watch a session of games or purchase a day pass or a tournament pass.
