NORWICH – The 18th annual Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament tips off today with registration at 4 p.m. at the Norwich Firehouse; the festivities continuing through Sunday. If past tournaments are any indication for this year’s turnout, Norwich’s community of approximately 7,000 residents may very well double in size.

“After 18 years it’s pretty much like clockwork,” said Norwich Family YMCA Executive Director Jamey Mullen. “This year we have 400 teams, putting us at a solid 1,600 players.” Mullen explained while it is not the largest number the community has had in the past, it is certainly not the smallest. “It’s right where we want to be,” he said, regarding the community’s ability to manage an event of this size.

On top of the basketball itself, Gus Macker offers an opportunity for lasting friendships to be formed and is a great way to support charitable organizations and businesses within the community. Commented Mullen, “Who doesn't love coming down, walking the streets and supporting concessions and nonprofits? You can grab a nice snow cone or smoothie, maybe a spiedie or something from one of the vendors in the park, all while enjoying the basketball.”

Thanks to help from Frontier and The Evening Sun, a smaller venue – The Tom Schwan Kids Court – equipped with bounce houses and Fisher Price baskets for the younger athletes, is available for use for a small donation. Those monies collected will be donated to Relay for Life of Chenango County.

“That’s really nice, how we come together,” said Mullen. “A community event using the masses to raise money for another good cause taking place the following weekend.”

Mullen added that many people don’t realize the many layers that make up the Gus Macker tournament weekend. While it helps to raise funds for the YMCA, there are nonprofit concessions and vendors, and by purchasing those products, community members and visitors are supporting a number of various causes.

Basketball enthusiasts ages six to sixty will be occupying the courts along East Main Street, and both Mullen and Norwich’s Gus Macker Tournament Coordinator Tom Revoir said their favorite part of the event are seeing the children enjoying themselves.

“It is a family event. Granted, it is centered around basketball, but it’s about having fun,” said Revoir. “It’s important to keep that in mind, especially when caught up in the moment of competing.”