The 3rd Annual Father/Son Basketball Tournament

So Many VIPS (the Mayor, Fathers, Sons, and Others)

For several hours on March 3, the Furman L. Templeton Elementary School gym at 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue was the place for VIPs of all kinds to celebrate community during the Third Annual Father / Son Basketball Tournament. Guests included Baltimore’s Mayor, Bernard C. “Jack” Young, City Council President and Mayoral candidate Brandon Scott, Furman Principal Dr. Evelyn Perry, and many other VIPs who joined enthusiastic fans by cheering from the sidelines throughout the event.

After a meet-and-greet gathering at 3:30 pm, at 4:20 pm dozens of proud men and boys paraded to the school gym. Greetings and collective blessings were offered by the Mayor, City Council President Scott, and Dr. Perry, and then for the next 90 minutes, energetic dads in cobalt blue T-shirts labeled “FATHER 1” and kids in light-colored “SON 1” showed off their skills. Clearly, regardless of their relationships, kids of all ages and men from the community bonded on the court and everyone enjoyed themselves. 

Coach Duncan supported every player, moving players in and out of the game so that everyone had a chance to participate, and afterwards, all participants were rewarded with delicious fare from Salaam Eatery.

This event was made possible via a partnership with the S.T.A.N.D. Mentorship Program, an organization that aims to spread this model program to public schools throughout Baltimore City and Promise Heights. Please keep an eye out for the 4th Annual Father / Son Basketball tournament next spring, as it’s an event you will DEFINITELY NOT want to miss!