The City of Shreveport (SPAR), in conjunction with Cumulus Radio and Academy Sports and Outdoors will host the 28th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Basketball Tournament, February 19th – 21st. This tournament honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and is held in conjunction with Black History Month celebrations throughout the City of Shreveport. Over 100 teams from 5 southern states will participate and $3,000 of cash prizes and awards will be given to championship teams.
Event activities tip off on Friday, February 19th / 6:00pm at Southern University-Shreveport gymnasium with a Celebrity Wheelchair Basketball Game. Area dignitaries and local media participating include:
Chief Scott Wolverton, Shreveport Fire Department
Shreveport Police Department-Neighborhood Assistant Team Officers
Shane Wright, KSLA12 Sports
Kelly Wells, Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission
Bishop Larry Brandon, Praise Temple Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral
Anthony “Big Ant” Simmons, Cumulus Radio 99.7FM
Immediately following the celebrity wheelchair basketball game (approximately 7:00pm), Academy Sports and Outdoors will host a Slam Dunk Contest, with the first place winner receiving $500 and promotional gifts. All tournament games will begin on Saturday at 9:00am in area Shreveport gyms.
All championship games will be played on “Championship Sunday” at the Southern University-Shreveport gymnasium. Promotional giveaways and community resource booths will be available for the entire family, including free popcorn and cotton candy for all kids 10 and under from 1:00pm-4:00pm.
Annual Dr. MLK Jr. Basketball Tournament Achievement Awards will be presented to James Stewart, Caddo Parish District Attorney and the Krewe of Harambee during half-time of the 3:00pm championship game. Individuals 18 and older will be eligible to register for a $5,000 Half-Court Shot. Halftime entertainment between championship games will include performances from the NRG Line Dancers, Grambling State University Orchesis, Grambling State University Omega Psi Phi stomp team and local rap and hip hop artist, Young Nisa.
Admission to all events, tournament and championship games are free. For additional information, including tournament events, gym sites and team brackets go to WWW.MLKHOOPS.COM.