SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) —A basketball tournament will take place at Wilson Park Saturday, July 31st, and the winning team will walk away with ten thousand dollars.
Syracuse police officer Brandon Hanks is hosting the event as the first annual 10-K basketball tournament.
Hanks plans to sue the Syracuse Police Department for racism. He is currently the only Black officer apart of the SPD’S Gun Violence Suppression Detail.
With crime being a big concern in parts of the city, Hanks started playing basketball with the youth. Before hosting competitions between teams, Hanks started a program where he would challenge kids and young adults on the court.
Hanks played one-on-one basketball with anyone up for a challenge. If the player lost, they did pull ups. If the player won, Hanks bought them a new pair of sneakers.
Hanks says he had intentions on winning every game.
“Some of these kids are pretty good. So that wasn’t always the case. I actually had to buy a lot of sneakers since I started the challenge,” Hanks said.
Hanks says he bought over 15 pairs of shoes, and the word eventually got out.
His story went viral and local organizations and businesses began to sponsor and donate to his program, including Los Angeles Lakers point guard Rajon Rondo. Rando donated 25 sneakers.
Hanks is now using the donations to fund Saturday’s tournament.
Players will compete in teams of seven for a chance to win ten thousand dollars. The winning team will split the prize.
Hanks says the money will go towards their college tuition.
“So it’s giving them a chance to strive for something bigger than just basketball, bigger than just a trophy. They can also win money towards their future,” he said.
Community resources and vendors will be at the event.
Hanks says anyone is welcome to come out and enjoy a day full of food, fun, and basketball.