Popular basketball event to return

AIKEN --- Your brother's keeper is coming back this year.

Last year's My Brothers Keeper Basketball Tournament for players up to age 18 was such a success that Williston police officers are holding it again.

This year's tournament is set for Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Williston-Elko High School gym.

Officer Tony Littles said about 140 players participated in last year's tournament.

More are expected this year, he said, because organizers are allowing 4-to 6-year-olds to sign up.

Registration will likely start in late July or early August, he said, and organizers are looking for sponsors for the tournament, which gives each participant a prize, awards trophies and medals and gives out gift bags.

Last year's tournament was a hit with players and parents, Officer Littles said.

"They (parents) love it that kids have a place to go play, and it's free for them," he explained.

Officer Littles said there are few programs in the Williston area that pair youth with responsible adults, especially those in positions of authority.

"In order to reach the youth -- especially in law enforcement -- you have to'' stage events that appeal to them, Officer Littles said. Many kids, he said, don't think police "are human," and community events such as the tournament show them they are.

Officer Littles, who is from Brooklyn, N.Y., said the tournament exposes youths to teamwork and proper public behavior.

The tournament means that "there are other avenues to take to respond to problems, or an opportunity to participate in sports where it's going to be safe," he said.

For more information about the tournament, call Officer Littles at (803) 266-7013.

Reach Sandi Martin at (803) 648-1395, ext. 111, or sandi.martin@augustachronicle.com.