Gus Macker returns to Norwich for 17th tournament
NORWICH – The Norwich Family Y Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament tips-off today, bringing one of the biggest annual weekend sporting events in the Northeast back to the streets of Norwich.
There are 427 teams signed up this year, all vying for the top spot in their bracket and the bragging rights of being Gus Macker’s number one team. The event – which typically draws in thousands of competitors each year – will get underway beginning with team registrations from 4-8 p.m. at the Norwich fire house. Registration for the women’s three-point shot competition will be from noon to 5 p.m. with the competition at 6:30 p.m. at center court.
Opening celebrations will resume in the heart of the city as live musical performances usher in the competitions, beginning with the Norwich City Band from 7-8 p.m. and for the first time in years, live music will be played in East Park. Local musicians Frank Revoir and friends will play immediately after the City Band on the East Park stage.
According to Macker coordinator Tom Revoir, several for-profit and not-for-profit organizations are gearing up for an appearance in the park tonight and through the weekend, too, including local food vendors, the Norwich Football Boosters, Girls Basketball Boosters, Relay for Life, Knight of Columbus, and the Sherburne Lions Club, to name a few.
“It would be very nice to see bigger crowds during the opening ceremonies,” Revoir said, citing a low amount of past participation in the opening of what he said is “the pinacle of sporting events” in the area. “I would love to see more people get involved in the ‘tip-off’ ceremonies,” he added.
Attention will turn to East Main Street Saturday morning, following final team registrations at 8 a.m. With major sponsorship by Preferred Mutual, NBT, Coca-Cola, Chobani, and New York Central Mutual, games begin at 8:30 a.m. and go throughout the day before winding down with the women’s 3-point shot competition finals, and slam dunk competition at 6 p.m., sponsored by the Mid-York Press. On Sunday, things pick up once again at 7 a.m. with a prayer service and games will resume at 8 a.m.
In addition, the Tom Schwan Kid’s Court will be set up in the Frontier parking lot from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Frontier is also sponsoring Dream Court from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
Amidst the excitement of players, local businesses and non-profits are also preparing to benefit from this once-a-year event. Collectively, more than $25,000 is brought in for area non-profit organizations throughout Macker weekend every year; the Norwich Family YMCA and the programs and services it provides is directly supported by the event. Moreover, it gives local merchants and restaurants a chance to showcase their venue.
Despite the high energy competition associated with the Gus Macker tournament, Revoir said the most important thing is to remember that it’s a weekend of family-friendly fun. “Behave yourself and have a good time,” he said. “Win or lose, it doesn’t matter. Just have fun.”
There are 427 teams signed up this year, all vying for the top spot in their bracket and the bragging rights of being Gus Macker’s number one team. The event – which typically draws in thousands of competitors each year – will get underway beginning with team registrations from 4-8 p.m. at the Norwich fire house. Registration for the women’s three-point shot competition will be from noon to 5 p.m. with the competition at 6:30 p.m. at center court.
Opening celebrations will resume in the heart of the city as live musical performances usher in the competitions, beginning with the Norwich City Band from 7-8 p.m. and for the first time in years, live music will be played in East Park. Local musicians Frank Revoir and friends will play immediately after the City Band on the East Park stage.
According to Macker coordinator Tom Revoir, several for-profit and not-for-profit organizations are gearing up for an appearance in the park tonight and through the weekend, too, including local food vendors, the Norwich Football Boosters, Girls Basketball Boosters, Relay for Life, Knight of Columbus, and the Sherburne Lions Club, to name a few.
“It would be very nice to see bigger crowds during the opening ceremonies,” Revoir said, citing a low amount of past participation in the opening of what he said is “the pinacle of sporting events” in the area. “I would love to see more people get involved in the ‘tip-off’ ceremonies,” he added.
Attention will turn to East Main Street Saturday morning, following final team registrations at 8 a.m. With major sponsorship by Preferred Mutual, NBT, Coca-Cola, Chobani, and New York Central Mutual, games begin at 8:30 a.m. and go throughout the day before winding down with the women’s 3-point shot competition finals, and slam dunk competition at 6 p.m., sponsored by the Mid-York Press. On Sunday, things pick up once again at 7 a.m. with a prayer service and games will resume at 8 a.m.
In addition, the Tom Schwan Kid’s Court will be set up in the Frontier parking lot from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Frontier is also sponsoring Dream Court from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
Amidst the excitement of players, local businesses and non-profits are also preparing to benefit from this once-a-year event. Collectively, more than $25,000 is brought in for area non-profit organizations throughout Macker weekend every year; the Norwich Family YMCA and the programs and services it provides is directly supported by the event. Moreover, it gives local merchants and restaurants a chance to showcase their venue.
Despite the high energy competition associated with the Gus Macker tournament, Revoir said the most important thing is to remember that it’s a weekend of family-friendly fun. “Behave yourself and have a good time,” he said. “Win or lose, it doesn’t matter. Just have fun.”
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