From our friends at iHoops:
INDIANAPOLIS, April 4, 2011 — iHoops Skills Challenge, a free nationwide basketball skills competition open to boys and girls ages 8 to 18, announced today a partnership with the popular Hoop It Up 3on3 basketball tour, that will bring the iHoops experience to thousands of kids at more than 40 different stops throughout the U.S. this summer.
iHoops Skills Challenge will allow boys and girls to showcase dribbling, passing and shooting proficiency in a timed, half-court obstacle course. Kids will compete in three age groups: 8-10, 11-14 and 15-18. Participants can sign up on-site on the day of the competition, which will take place on Saturday at each stop, with the finals on Sunday. Winners at each stop will be designated as that city’s iHoops Skills Challenge Champion, receive prizes, and be recognized on iHoops.com, which experienced its highest traffic ever in March.
“iHoops is excited to team with Hoop It Up, and give thousands of kids the opportunity to participate for free and showcase their skills in fun, healthy and competitive environments,” said iHoops Director of Athlete and Coach Programs Neil Dougherty. “Understanding the fundamentals of the game at an early age provides the best chance for success on the court.”
“iHoops Skills Challenge is a great addition to the Hoop It Up 3on3 basketball tour as it encourages young players to get in the game by developing their skills,” said Hoop It Up Executive Vice President Dan Cramer. The Hoop It Up 3on3 tour is an energetic and family-friendly tournament designed to allow anyone who wants to play or watch to participate.
Below is the current 2011 iHoops Skills Challenge Tour schedule (subject to change):
San Antonio– April 9-10 @ Nelson W. Wolff Stadium
Tampa – April 9-10 @ All Peoples Life Center
Phoenix – April 16-17 @ Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
Dallas – April 30-May 1 @ Rangers Ballpark at Arlington
Miami – May 7-8 @ Calder Casino and Race course
St. Louis – May 7 @ Downtown Streets
Virginia Beach, Va. – May 14-15 @ Virginia Beach Sportsplex
Omaha, Neb. – May 14-15 @ Qwest Center
Raleigh, N.C. – May 21-22 @ North South Station
Houston – May 21-22 @ TBD
Jacksonville, Fla. – May 21-22 @ Orange Park High School
Harrisburg, Pa. – June 4 @ In the Net Sports Complex
Atlanta – June 4-5 @ Northlake Mall
Cincinnati – June 4-5 @ TBD
Albuquerque – June 11-12 @ Civic Center Plaza
Philadelphia – June 18-19 @ Campbell’s Field
Milwaukee – June 18-19 @ Bryant Stratton College Wauwatosa Campus
Cleveland – June 25-26 @ Euclid Square Mall
Dallas — June 25-26 @ Fair Park
Louisville, Ky. – June 25-26 @ Fox 41 Studios
Indianapolis – July 9-10 @ TBD
Chicago – July 9-10 @ Soldier Field
Bismarck, N.D. – July 9-10 @ TBD
Columbus, Ohio – July 16-17 @ Fort Rapids Indoor Water Park Resort
Detroit – July 16-17 @ Pontiac Silverdome
Boston – July 16-17 @ TBD
Albany, N.Y. – July 23-24 @ TBD
Baltimore – July 23-24 @ TBD
San Jose – July 23-24 @ TBD
Nashville – July 30-31 @ LP Field
Denver – July 30-31 @ Invesco Field
Newark, N.J. – July 30-31 @ TBD
Hartford, Conn. – August 6-7 @ Rentschler Field
Memphis – August 6-7 @ TBD
Pittsburgh – August 6-7 @ TBD
Dallas – August 13-14 @ Dallas Convention Center
New York City – August 13-14 @ TBD
Miami – August 20-21 @ Calder Casino and Race course
Sarasota, Fla. – September 3-4 @ Venice Community Center
Sacramento – September 17-18 @ Downtown Streets
