The fifth annual New York NCSY Community-Wide Basketball Tournament, held on Sunday, May 1, drew a crowd in excess of 1,000. The tournament featured both 5-on-5 and over 30 3-on-3 games held at gyms around the Five Towns, including HAFTR, SKA, DRS, Rambam, Life Fitness, and Lawrence High School.
According to New York NCSY Regional Director Rabbi Aryeh Lightstone, the purpose of the annual tournament is to build community awareness and support for the important work being done by NCSY. Funds raised from the tournament go to support NCSY programming and to provide scholarships to help teens to attend NCSY Summer Programs and to study in Israel after high school.
The community was invited to attend the New York NCSY BBQ, as well as to view the championship game. Other activities included children’s entertainment including magic shows and balloon creations. In addition, there was face painting, arts and crafts, and games. The tournament also held its annual raffle, the winners of which will receive two roundtrip tickets to Israel.
Rabbi Lightstone expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to the event, including sponsors, organizers, attendees, caterers, players, schools, his staff, and more. We thank Rabbi Lightstone for spearheading this incredible effort that not only financially enables the New York Region to continue their work, but also introduces the community to the invaluable resource that resides in their midst.