CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte nonprofit is using basketball to connect with the next generation and get the community excited beyond just March Madness.
Heal Charlotte held a youth basketball tournament Saturday at the Keith Family YMCA, where the goal was to keep kids safe.
Greg Jackson and his organization are no strangers when it comes to connecting with the youth.
“We just want to make sure that we have the correct program," he said, "and it speaks to them in that they know that they got people like us out here to care about them.”
Several kids aged 13 to 17 got to showcase their talents on the court while feeling the support from spectators. Catrell Butler played in the tournament and looks forward to feeling the togetherness from the community.
“Just all of us coming together as brothers and hooping in this safe and respectful environment and event,” he said.
Basketball wasn’t the only branch reaching out to kids. Heal Charlotte also stresses the importance of artistic expression. Fatima Rodriquez is a volunteer and said they're using every resource possible to connect with kids.
“Art is how we communicate with each other, its culture. And it speaks to just the reality of the situation that we're all experiencing," she said, "and I think art is such a great way to connect with the youth.”
Ricky Singh designed some of the art at the event as well.
“Our hope is that youth see this as visual testaments of the love that we want them to receive with each other," he said.
Organizers are hopeful that their efforts will lead to a bright future.
“It's our attempt to just say, 'We're here and we care about you'. And there's a reason to have some hope. You got people that care about you out here," Jackson said.
The tournament will wrap up on Sunday with the championship game scheduled to tip off at noon at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School.
Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.