Free Youth Basketball Tournament This Weekend

Union City Youth and Family Services is hosting a free basketball tournament this weekend for youths ages 12 to 24. The tournament will be held Saturday, May 19 at 11:00 am at Contempo Park, 32300 Meteor Dr. It will include free food and entertainment.

In addition to providing a family friendly event for the community, the organization hopes the tournament will increase visibility of its programs in a part of Union City that may be less familiar with its work.

"The purpose of the tournament is to promote our programs to the west side of Union City and to let residents know about our services," said Darl Michael, street outreach worker for Union City Youth and Family Services.

Union City Youth and Family Services offer programs in youth violence prevention, counseling, employment preparation, parenting support, and more.

Entertainment will include dance performances by the Union City group Mighty 4, as well as the Warriors Junior Jam Squad and a spoken word group called Studio 92.  Registration is available ahead of time and on the day of the event. Those registering on Saturday are encouraged to arrive at 10:00 am. To register in advance, call (510) 675-5822.

The tournament is the first of its kind hosted by Union City Youth and Family Services, and the organization hopes to make it an annual event, Michael said.