D3 Tourney Seeks Sponsors for N.C. Visitors

WHITESBORO – Envision a human bridge, hand-to-hand, helping, encouraging, and uplifting. That is what D3 Community Basketball Tournament will be about Aug. 2 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Martin Luther King Community Center on West Main Street.
A group of 40 to 50 young men from Raleigh-Durham, N.C. will visit from July 31 to Aug. 2. During that time they will enjoy local hospitality, boardwalk attractions, and play basketball with local teams. The public is invited to the day’s events.
The event will continue what Camp Unity had done for six years in 2011, foster goodwill among young people from North Carolina to this community. The event is the brainchild of Malcolm Reed, a 1998 Middle Township High School graduate, who played basketball under Coach Tom Feraco.
D3 stands for desire, determination and development, something that takes on real meaning for the freshmen through seniors who become visiting role models and mentors to local youths.
“To see these young men from out of state come in and play basketball brings everyone together in a positive atmosphere for the young men and families of this community,” said Dawn Wilson, a parent who participates in D3 Day. “The way they carry themselves is a great example for our young men in this community.”
To Donald Hatcher, who has played in past D3 Day games. Meeting the visitors and competing is a positive experience. “It’s fun. They are really good at basketball. They play with us, they help us and take their time to show us how to play and be good athletes. They are good on and off the court, character wise,” Hatcher said.
Daniel Auld, an organizer of the D3 Day along with Robert Matthews, recently-appointed Middle Township recreational program coordinator. Both are hoping to garner some sponsors to bring the Cape May County vacation experience alive, perhaps for an evening on the Wildwood boardwalk.
The group will be housed and fed at the King Center. They will shower at Middle Township High School, Auld said. Help is still needed to complete their experience, he said. “We want to give them a positive experience at the Jersey Shore, and show them not only we are friendly and open-hearted, but also show them some of our attractions. If anyone is interested they can call Auld at (609) 827-3868 of Matthews at the King Center, 465-8747.
“As far as the bridge program, this is our part to continue to link young people together into a positive environment,” said Auld. “Bridges is focused to reach one hand to another, the concept of each one teaches one.”
He cited Reed as the founder of the community outreach aspect. “His concept is, if you build a child’s potential, the chances are good they will develop in a community aspect.”
“Regardless of what we see in the newspaper, the young people in Whitesboro have really turned their lives around. What I can see as a counselor and mentor, we can be very proud to be a part of the young people’s lives.”
He lauded the Concerned Citizens of Whitesboro Inc. for the part if plays in becoming a hub for activities for young people, including the Homework Club at the King Center. The organization’s reach does not stop here, but extends to all parts of the municipality, he said.
The D3 Community Basketball Tournament is one facet of the day’s events. Also planned at the center are kickball, T-ball games and more. In addition food vendors are scheduled to coincide with the round-robin tournament that will put the Tar Heel teams against local high school athletes.