Flint Area Police Host Free Basketball Tourney June 25

Area police are joining forces to make a difference in a unique way: by bringing basketball to downtown Flint.

Michigan State Police, the Flint Police Department, and the University of Michigan-Flint Department of Public Safety are hosting a one-day, 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the Flat Lot on Saginaw Street between First and Kearsley streets in downtown Flint on June 25.

Three- and Four-player teams of adults and children (7 and up) are invited to participate.

The cost? Just your word.

Participants in the tournament sign a pledge to "Stop the Silence"—which means they agree to speak up if they ever witness a crime.

Registration forms are available at www.stoptehsilenceflint.com. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 25. Tournament play starts at 9 a.m. and is expected to last four to six hours.

UM-Flint Police Chief Ray Hall said the tournament is a way for community members to get to know local police officers, to promote relationships based on mutual trust, and help younger players see police in non-emergency situations.

"This is a great way for the kids to get to know the officers, and the police to get to know the kids," Hall said.

The sponsors who help make this event free for players are: ELGA Credit union, UM-Flint, Walmart, Genesee Packaging Co., and the Flint Downtown Development Authority.