Riverhead’s “Stop the Violence Basketball Tournament” is going on this weekend at the newly resurfaced Horton Avenue basketball courts — despite the brutal heat and high humidity making it feel like over 100 degrees.
Town officials joined organizers of the tournament for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting just before a game pitting a team from Riverhead with one from Bellport, a matchup rekindling an old rivalry.
Supervisor Sean Walter, who’d spent the morning watching players from all over the region compete in the double-elimination tournament prior to the scheduled midday ribbon-cutting, told the crowd he deeply appreciates what the event organizers and participants are doing.
The tournament, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, is the brainchild of Riverhead residents Dwayne Eleazer and Larry Williams, intended to build mutual respect and friendships on the basketball court.
“This is very special, especially in this scary world we live in today,” Walter said. “It’s so important to just take time and be really present for one another,” he said.
Councilman Tim Hubbard and Councilman John Dunleavy were both on hand for the ribbon-cutting and the presentation of a town board proclamation to Eleazer and Williams, thanking them for their efforts.
The tournament continues tomorrow, with the first tip-off at 10 a.m.
RiverheadLOCAL photos by Denise Civiletti
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