Suffolk News-Herald

It’s springtime and that means the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office is once again inviting churches, civic clubs and other community organization to come out and challenge the city’s police, sheriff’s departments, and the regional jail’s correction officers to a good game of &uot;hoops.&uot;

Sheriff Raleigh H. Isaacs Sr. and his deputies sponsor this special event each year to raise funds to help pay for a &uot;Senior Citizens’ Forum.&uot; This year, the &uot;Sheriff’s Basketball Tournament&uot; is set to take place at Kings Fork Middle School on Kings Fork Road. The games begin at 6 p.m. and dates are Wednesday, April 30 through May 3

There is a $275 fee to enter a team into the contests, and there is a special three-point contest where each team picks its best player to shoot at a basket from 20 feet out. Each player will have one minute to shoot as many baskets as they can, and the winner will receive an award. Runners-up will receive T-shirts marking the occasion.

This year marks the fifth that the sheriff’s office has sponsored the basketball game, and each year the proceeds are used for only one purpose. Last year alone more than 500 people came out to witness the games.

&uot;The Senior Citizens’ Forum gives local people an opportunity to learn more about services available to them,&uot; said Scott. &uot;It also provides a chance to meet with officials from the city and with politicians who will address their concerns. Of course Isaacs will be there along with several deputies. He firmly believes that our senior citizens are an extremely important part of the community and we want to support them as much as possible.&uot;

As Scott said, these basketball games are a lot of good, clean family entertainment and the public is invited to come out in support of their favorite players and teams.

Drinks and other packaged snacks will be available for purchase during the games. Many local merchants will feed players throughout the day.

Mike Duman Auto is providing a half-time show and he’s giving prizes for the player who makes a &uot;lay up,&uot; a free throw, and a three-point contest.

Deputy Steve Skinner said this is the second year for the three-point contest.

&uot;Last year, it was a big success and we had a lot of fun,&uot; said Skinner. &uot;It truly makes the half-time a lot more exciting. Last year, Sgt. Scott was in the finals, but Mike Duman’s team won the championship and Larry Smith of the Regional Jail won the three-point contest. It’s just a really great time for everyone to come out and have a lot of fun and at the same time, help the senior citizens of our community.&uot;

&uot;We look forward to a lot of people coming out to support their team,&uot; said Scott. &uot;Any team that would like to challenge the Sheriff’s Office Team or any other team in the contests is invited to call 923-2201.&uot;