9th Annual Jump & Ball Tournament presented by State Sen. Malcolm Smith and LL Cool J

Malcolm A. Smith

July 24, 2013

(Hollis, NY) - State Sen. Malcolm A. Smith announced today that he will be kicking off the 9th Annual Jump and Ball summer tournament next month at the Daniel O'Connell Park in St. Albans, Queens. Participation is FREE and there will also be a DJ and plenty of complimentary food and drink.

The event, a basket ball and double-dutch tournament co-sponsored by hip-hop artist and renowned actor LL Cool J and Taurus Associates, will take place every weekend from Saturday, August 3rd, 2013 through Sunday, Sept 1, 2013.

"This competition is a wonderful opportunity for the youth in the community to get some fresh air and exercise while they show off their talents," Smith said. "I am looking forward to a huge turnout. I think this year will be our best Jump and Ball ever."

The Jump and Ball Tournament began in 2005 when LL Cool J approached Sen. Smith and wanted to create a program to give back to the community. It provides recreational activities to youth between the ages of 12 and 18 throughout Southeast Queens, New York. The tournament is a 4-week program that exposes over 100 young people to activities that teaches them team-building and leadership skills.

The program features competitive basketball games and double-dutch jump rope competitions in addition to a myriad of competitions including golf, chess, tennis, and karate that showcase the community's diverse talents.

In addition there will be helpful information from community organizations, the NYU dental van, demonstrations featuring area wildlife, a bouncy house, face painting and clown for the kids. Cowboy Curly Hall will be on hand with his horses on August 17th and will demonstrate western rope tricks.