NORWICH – The 18th annual Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament tips off today with registration at 4 p.m. at the Norwich Firehouse; the festivities continuing through Sunday. If past tournaments are any indication for this year’s turnout, Norwich’s community of approximately 7,000 residents may very well double in size.

“After 18 years it’s pretty much like clockwork,” said Norwich Family YMCA Executive Director Jamey Mullen. “This year we have 400 teams, putting us at a solid 1,600 players.” Mullen explained while it is not the largest number the community has had in the past, it is certainly not the smallest. “It’s right where we want to be,” he said, regarding the community’s ability to manage an event of this size.

On top of the basketball itself, Gus Macker offers an opportunity for lasting friendships to be formed and is a great way to support charitable organizations and businesses within the community. Commented Mullen, “Who doesn't love coming down, walking the streets and supporting concessions and nonprofits? You can grab a nice snow cone or smoothie, maybe a spiedie or something from one of the vendors in the park, all while enjoying the basketball.”

Thanks to help from Frontier and The Evening Sun, a smaller venue – The Tom Schwan Kids Court – equipped with bounce houses and Fisher Price baskets for the younger athletes, is available for use for a small donation. Those monies collected will be donated to Relay for Life of Chenango County.