State Representative Frank A. Moran Holds 8th Annual Youth Basketball Tournament in Partnership with the Lawrence Police Department

State Representative Frank A. Moran Holds 8th Annual Youth Basketball Tournament in Partnership with the Lawrence Police Department

The 8th Annual State Representative Frank A. Moran and Lawrence Police Department Youth Basketball Tournament took place on Saturday, July 27, at O’Neill Park.

Representative Moran and the Lawrence Police Department welcomed hundreds of youth athletes between the ages of 7 and 18 to participate in this year’s tournament, where they were also provided with free food, raffle gifts, live music, and other family activities.

This annual tradition was started by Representative Moran eight years ago in response to the nation’s ongoing conversation surrounding law enforcement to bring at-risk youth from Lawrence together with the public safety officials who serve our city – in turn, helping to develop mutual respect and understanding of one another.

“This event has always been the highlight of my summer, and it has become so much more than a basketball tournament,” said State Representative Moran (D – Lawrence). “It is crucial that our young people understand the role that law enforcement officials play in our community while also fostering mutual, healthy, and respectful relationships that will last a lifetime.”

“The Lawrence Police Department is always thrilled to participate in this amazing community event,” said Lieutenant Joseph Cerullo. Our officers have experienced the positive impact that this tournament has had within our city, and we always welcome the opportunity to engage with our young people through effective activities such as this.”

“I have been a proud sponsor of this wonderful event since its inception eight years ago and was honored to have had the opportunity to speak with this year’s participants about the importance of community,” said Sal Lupoli, CEO and Founder of Lupoli Companies/Sal’s Pizza. “Representative Moran has done an outstanding job supporting the young people of the Merrimack Valley, and I look forward to taking part in this tradition in the years to come.”

“This event has grown to be so much more than just a basketball tournament,” said Martha Velez, Director of the Department of Human Services for the City of Lawrence. “This event has become an annual celebration of our community and the outpouring of dedication that we all have to uplift our young people and ensure that they are given every opportunity to succeed in life.”

“I am greatly appreciative to Representative Moran and the Lawrence Police Department for dedicating a portion of this year’s tournament to young athletes of all abilities and to increase inclusivity within our city,” said Raquel Quezada, Executive Director of Fundación CEMDPCD. “The young people of our program had an incredible time, and we cannot thank Representative Moran enough for all that he does for the youth of Lawrence and the Merrimack Valley as a whole.”

In addition to having multiple officers serve as referees and volunteers at the tournament, the Lawrence Police Department also provided several brand-new bicycles to be raffled off to the youth and donated food and ice cream.

This year’s tournament was made possible by the generosity of dozens of volunteers from the community and local sponsors:

The Lawrence Police Department, Sueños Basketball, Commonwealth Motors, Lupoli Companies, New Balance, the Lawrence Recreation Department, Gemline, Shaw’s, Almanzar Insurance Services, the Lawrence Vietnam Memorial, Syramad Properties, Fundación CEMDPCD, Rumbo, Bonanza Supermarket, Union Supermarket and Restaurant, and DJ Dnero.