Shoot Hoops Not Guns Tournament To Spread Anti-Violence Message

There will be a basketball tournament this weekend where it’s more about life and death than it is about winning or losing on the scoreboard.

Assemblyman Charles Mainor, a detective with the Jersey City Police Department is hosting the tournament in hopes of fostering a greater relationship between residents, civic leaders and law enforcement officials to better work together in the fight against illegal gun use and gun violence.

"Sports have the power to transcend culture and nationality. People that may not share a language will find a way to communicate in the field or court,” says Mainor, chair of the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee. “With Shoot Hoops Not Guns, we are using basketball as a way to build bridges between the community and law enforcement to better fight gun violence."

The Shoot Hoops Not Guns 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday at New Jersey City University, 2039 Kennedy Blvd.

The tournament is open to men and women between 15 and 35 years old. Participants under 18 must submit written permission from a parent. Jersey City native, hip hop recording artist and star of the TV show "Love and Hip Hop" Joe Budden will be donating sneakers to be given away at the event.

"Our hope is to break down the barriers that often exist between community members and law enforcement officials to better protect our neighborhoods,” explains Mainor. “In light of the terrible tragedy at Newtown, and every child who has fallen victim to gun crime since, we must work even harder to prevent our communities from being victimized by senseless gun violence."

Anyone interested may register at Mainor's district office, 2324 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City or by calling (201) 536-7851. It is co-sponsored by New Jersey City University, Jersey City Police Department, Hudson County Sheriff's Office and the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office.