Portland, OR. The slam-dunk contest was a hit at the third annual Rip City 3 on 3 basketball tournament. The Trail Blazer fundraiser at the Rose Quarter had activities for all ages and abilities and raised $25,000 for Special Olympics Oregon. Players at the July 30th & 31st event received a free ticket to a Trail Blazers preseason game. Visit the website to view this year’s results. (Photos credit, Bruce Ely and Cody Sharrett)
Allen Crabbe and Meyers Leonard joined in the fun at the RIP CITY 3on3 Nike Youth Clinic.
At the end of the two day, the Blazers handed over a check for $25,000 to Special Olympics, Oregon.
One of the state’s premier outdoor basketball tournaments, Rip City 3-on-3 features divisions for all ages and skill levels, and benefits Special Olympics Oregon.
The event featured 50 outdoor courts with official referees on every court and a 3-point shoot out.
Allen Crabbe offered pointers to aspiring players.
Blaze the Mascot, and the BlazerDancers were on hand to cheer on the participants.
Before 2014’s inaugural event, Portland had been without a flagship 3-on-3 tournament since 2011, the last time “Street Jam” was held at the Rose Quarter. Organized and managed by Eventuris, which was founded by the long-time producers of the largest 3-on-3 tournament in the world, Rip City 3-on-3 has a different look and feel than its predecessor.
“It’s great to see participation and excitement for Rip City 3-on-3 growing each year,” said Chris McGowan, President & CEO of the Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter. “We hope to have more teams than ever to reach our goal of topping our fundraising efforts for Special Olympics Oregon.”
“What a Trail Blazers season! We never doubt Rip City! And we can’t wait to bring this excitement into the summer at the third annual Rip City 3-on-3 Tournament.” said Special Olympics Oregon CEO Margie Hunt. “We are privileged to partner with our hometown team on this great event which benefits hoop fans throughout the state, including those with intellectual disabilities.”
Many Special Olympics athletes will be competed during this year’s tournament – several on Unified Sports teams. Unified Sports is a great way for people with and without intellectual disabilities to play on the same team and promote social inclusion through sport. Having sport as a shared activity is just one more way that preconceptions and false ideas about individuals with intellectual disabilities are swept away.
