Gus Macker moves back to Main Street

NORWICH (WBNG) - The Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament in Norwich is moving back to Main Street for this year’s event. The Tournament, which features half-court pickup games for players of all ages and skill levels, is an annual event that is meant to celebrate basketball, community, and competition. Tournament Director Tom Revoir believes the event’s foundation on family is what has made it such a hit.

“This event is very much family-oriented,” said Revoir. “Some people just say it’s basketball, but it’s not. It’s really every walk of life comes out here and participates in this event, either by playing in the event or volunteering for us here. We have stuff for everyone.”

The Norwich Family YMCA is the key beneficiary of the 3-on-3 tourney. James Mullen, the YMCA executive director, says the tournament helps build a culture of community through the game of basketball.

“It’s great to see everyone come back to Norwich to play and have a good time,” said Mullen. “It’s about family, it’s about charity, it’s about community, it’s about basketball, and it can be any skill level. So, what it means to me is it’s kind of the homecoming.”

After officially closing the registration to over 300 teams, Revoir is making the final preparations needed to put on the massive event. These preparations include help from the Norwich community.

“We would really, really, really like the volunteers to start showing up,” said Revoir. “And I’m in desperate need of referees. I need to get people out here. Our referees are the most important part of this tournament, without them we can’t run it.”

The 3-on-3 Gus Macker Tournament will officially tip-off on East Main Street, on Friday, July 13th.