Youth basketball tourney in Albany aims to reduce violence

Kids gathered in Albany this weekend for an event intended to help reduce youth violence in the city.

Hood’s House of Hoops organized the Full Court Peace Tournament at the Lincoln Park courts. Basketball coach Jameel Hood said it is all about engaging children and keeping them out of trouble.

Nearly a month after three violent incidents happened involving youth people happened on July Fourth, city official began looking for more ways to get children involved in healthy, engaging activities.

Parent Chevonne Barrett said she is happy she is able to give her children this opportunity.

“I know a lot of children aren’t able to have this type of opportunity where they can learn a skill, learn social development,” she said.

Albany County District Attorney Lee Kindlon said it is a positive event.

“When you come to an event like this and you see everybody getting along and the sun is shining, the music’s playing and you hear kids laughing, it really makes you think that we’re making progress,” he said. 

Hood said more than 300 children participated.

We’re promoting peace. We’re advocating for young children to get along with each other – it doesn’t matter what city or area you come from or whatever background – and so we’re doing it in the spirit of basketball,” he said.