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MACA hosts youth basketball tournament in Inuvik

Approximately 20 youth spent their Friday evening playing basketball on the courts outside of East Three Secondary School and enjoying a barbecue under the sun June 22.

Chloe Larocque, summer student at the Government of the Northwest Territories' Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA), organized the three-on-three basketball tournament as part of her work assignment.

Paul Voudrach takes a shot.
Samantha McKay/NNSL photo

"I find a lot of youth today are saying 'there's nothing to do' so this gives them something to do, and it's something different for them to do," said Larocque. "It's really nice to see them excited about this. The weather is just perfect today, too."

The aim of the tournament was to promote healthy and active lifestyles among youth.

"This is something I wanted to do to try and get them active and encourage them to make healthy lifestyle choices," she said. "I really love basketball, so this is something I really wanted to organize, and I'm really excited about it."

Food and drinks were also provided for free to the players.

Jason Jacobson passes the ball.
Samantha McKay/NNSL photo

"The kids seem to be having a blast and I think they're especially enjoying the food," said Larocque. "When we said the food was ready, they just ran to the barbecue."

Paul Voudrach said he participated in the tournament because a group of his friends were taking part.

"We lost one, we won one, I think we're doing pretty good," said Voudrach. "We're having a lot of fun so far."

He said he's been playing basketball for three years as forward.

"There's so much movement in the game, it's just so much fun," he said.

He added that if there are any more basketball tournaments organized this summer, he would definitely participate.

Larocque said she's in the process of organizing a slo-pitch tournament for youth ages 10 to 14 later this summer, and is inviting the communities in the Beaufort Delta to participate.