27 teams went head-to-head in the 3rd annual Mark Hamm Memorial 3-on-3 basketball tournament Saturday in Winkler.
According to co-organizer, Walter Giesbrecht, there were 15 teams in the 19+ men's division, 6 teams registered in the 19+ women's division and 6 teams in the 14U boy's division.
"We would love, in future years, to have more teams like maybe 14U girl's, 16U girl's or 16U boy's," he added.
Giesbrecht is also involved with the Winkler Basketball, as was Mark Hamm prior to his passing.
"(He was) one of the people behind the creation of these courts," explained Giesbrecht, referring to the city's outdoor facility. "(He was) also a really dedicated coach, dedicated to the cause of basketball," he added.
Tanya Dyck got to know Mark through their volunteer work with Winkler Minor Basketball. She says Mark was always willing to lead the junior high girl's division and start to develop them for success in Junior Varsity (JV) at the high school level, where he was also a coach at Garden Valley Collegiate.
"He would get the JV girls to come out and volunteer and help him as he coached the junior high girls. Just very involved. He would get them involved in the community as well," she added. "So, for him, it wasn't just about the game of basketball. It was about developing relationships. Any girls that needed a little extra help in life, he was there for them. He and his wife, Anne, would have them over and just be a good family support for them."
The money raised from Saturday's tournament will benefit Winkler basketball in two ways; to continue making improvements to the outdoor courts and to keep providing opportunities for youth through the club teams.
With files from Abby Wall
