The National Trust for the Cayman Islands (NT), together with radio station Star 92.7, Camana Bay and the Cayman Islands Basketball Association (CIBA), staged the inaugural Shooting Stars 3-on-3 basketball tournament at Camana Bay’s Arts and Recreation Centre last Saturday (27).

The event was aimed at Cayman’s youth.

Danielle Vernon, the National Trust Development and Marketing Coordinator, said young athletes needed added public support and interest in basketball had decreased since Hurricane Ivan.

Speaking just before the event, Vernon said, “Star 92.7 and the Trust hope to bring the focus back with 3-on-3 competitions, which promote teamwork in a healthy, competitive way.”

The event was a huge success with over 100 players participating.

Squads were broken down into age groups with kids competing in the 7-11, 12-15 and 16-19 categories with adults playing in a 20-and-older segment.

The winning teams earned gift bags provided by event sponsors that included Digicel, Winners Circle and Conyers, Dill and Pearman.

Vernon said the proceeds from the event will be split with the Trust getting the lion’s share of the proceeds.

“That will benefit the National Trust’s education programme,” she said, “which seeks to educate students about the importance of protecting Cayman’s rich history and unique biodiversity. The basketball association will also be benefitting from the adult team entries.”

Most of the participants on Saturday were youngsters.