Dribbling for Dollars: Vineyard Streeball Classic Returns to Oak Bluffs

Omar Daniel is calling the Island for help.

On Saturday, July 2 he’s staging the ninth annual Vineyard Streetball Classic at Niantic Park in Oak Bluffs, and is looking for students ages 10-18 to participate.

Proceeds from the three-on-three double-elimination tournament will be used to repair the time-worn basketball courts in Niantic Park. The event is held with the cooperation of the Oak Bluffs Parks & Recreation Department.

"The asphalt is cracked," Daniel said. "We want to do something to it so the kids can enjoy it, and when the kids come for the summer they can come play in a safe environment."

"I used to come up from New York every summer since I was a little kid in the early ‘80s through the ‘90s and I played in the summer leagues at Niantic Park," Daniel said. "I saw a lack of participation and wanted to do something about it, so I created this tournament nine years ago."

The tournament will feature divisions for ages 10-12, 13-14 and 15-18. The top team in each division will receive individualized trophies. All players will receive a Vineyard Streetball Classic T-shirt, lunch and drinks.

In addition to tournament games, there will be a half-court contest, a free-throw competition and several give-aways and coupons drawn throughout the day.

Registration is $20 per child and can be completed online at www.vineyardstreetballclassic.com. Same-day registration is available from 10 a.m. to noon in Niantic Park. Daniel is also looking for sponsors and vendors for the tournament.

"I want kids to enjoy it like I enjoyed it when I was young," Daniel said.