In a continuing effort to improve a local community, 3 Fold Productions of Vicksburg is hosting a 3-on-3 youth basketball tournament Saturday at the Pearl Street courts.

The tournament is open to ages 14 to 18, and team spots are available. Cost is $10 per team, but the fee can be waived. A grand prize of $250 will be awarded to the winning team.

If you go

A 3-on-3 youth basketball tournament will kick off at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Pearl Street basketball courts. Cost is $10 per team, but the fee can be waived. Volunteer referees are also needed. Admission is free, and refreshments will be available. To register, call 601-618-6432.

“I saw the court there and thought it would be nice to bring some life back into that community,” said Rod Henderson, tournament coordinator and a Vicksburg representative for 3 Fold Productions.

Henderson and two of his college friends, Richard Dancer of San Antonio, Texas, and Robert Jordan of Nashville, formed the company about five years ago.

“We’re trying to institute some changes in the community,” Henderson said. “We want to see kids have some pride in themselves and how they see the world.”

Henderson said a group of volunteers have been maintaining the basketball courts tucked between two railroads in the Pearl Street area since holding a cleanup effort at the start of the school year.

“Pearl Street is our heart,” he said. “It’s going to be a good time for the whole family.”

The organization is planning one activity a month through the end of the year at the Pearl Street courts. Organizers hosted a back-to-school bash in early August at the location.

“It was a big success,” Henderson said.

In November, a food drive is planned and, in December, a toy drive.

*

Contact Manivanh Chanprasith at mchan@vicksburgpost.com