200 Jam Elmont Library for Martins Classic 3on3 Tournament Planning Session

Volunteers from Elmont, Franklin Square, South Floral Park, Bellerose Terrace, New Hyde Park, Floral Park and North Valley Stream jammed the Elmont Library this past Saturday for a planning session of the Martins Classic 3on3 Basketball Tournament.  The tournament is in its 9th year and is being sponsored by State Senator Jack Martins. Joining him in sponsoring the event is State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos. The tournament is being held at Dutch Broadway School in Elmont on July 14th. The raindate is July 15th.

The Executive Committee for the tournament consists of Scott Cushing, Sandra Smith, Marvin Lee, Franklin Thomas, Tania Lawes, Louie Cona, Qusarn Caldwell, Mustafa Allanah, Darian Bryan, Donald Pierre-Louis, Richard Kiki DeBrosse, Gregory Calvaire, Barbara Reynolds, Dillon Williams and Robert “Rocky” Chambers.

The planning session had a standing room only crowd at the Elmont Library where committee chairs outlined plans for the 3on3 basketball, 7on7 football, slam dunk contest, 3 point shoot out, lacrosse and soccer elements of the tournament.  Tournament Chairman Scott Cushing noted that “volunteers make this tournament happen.”

During the session, it was announced that the newly unveiled tournament website can be accessed by going to State Senator Jack Martins’ website and clicking the link. On the site, tournament forms can be downloaded. The site will also be the main area for tournament information as it is announced to the greater community.

During the planning session, volunteers discussed strategies to make the tournament move more smoothly as well as the layout of events the day of the tourney.  “People bring their ideas to the meeting and we are able to build on it. Every year we fine tune the tournament and it works,” said Marvin Lee.

“There is no doubt that the 3on3 tournament is probably the most popular Summer event in the greater community. I have a great time there and am so proud to be the sponsor. The work that goes into this day is nothing short of extraordinary and I can’t thank the volunteers enough for their dedication. People of all ages help run this tournament from High School students to our seniors. It’s been called the Summer Family Reunion for our community- and if you’ve been there, you know exactly why,” said State Senator Jack Martins.

The planning session also had a special guest in Anthony “TJ” Dangerfield, the son of David Dangerfield. Dangerfield was a 9-11 NYC firefighter who passed away a few years ago and who the 7on7 football tournament is named after. Mr. Dangerfield was active in PTA, sports leagues and youth activities. His son, who flew in from Florida, came to the meeting to show his support and thanks. “The tournament gets bigger each and every year. I know my father would be so proud. I want to thank everyone for their work and support.”

“The 3on3 Tournament is one of the most exciting Summer events in the area,” said State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos adding, “Senator Martins and I are working very closely with the committee and have a lot of great additions we will be announcing in the weeks and months ahead.”

If you would like to volunteer for the Tournament, email dutchtourney@gmail.com. You can also call Senator Jack Martins’ office at 746-5924 to volunteer at the Tournament.

During the meeting, Marvin Lee announced the official tournament basketball levels are as follows:  The Senator Jack Martins 5th and 6th grade division, The Senator Dean Skelos 7th and 8th grade division, The Councilman Ed Ambrosino 9th and 10th grade division, The Supervisor Kate Murray 11th and 12th grade division and The Future Leaders College Division.

“In the weeks to come, there are going to be some very exciting announcements about the tournament and some surprises,” said Donald Pierre-Louis adding, “this tournament is going to be the biggest and best yet.”

Tournament forms can be downloaded from the Tournament website. Simply visit Senator Martins’ website and click the link. You can also be kept right up to date on Facebook. Simply “Like”  the Facebook page “3on3 Tournament- The Senator Jack Martins Classic.”