The Slick Watts Classic 3on3 outdoor basketball tournament, formerly the Jim Marsh Classic, comes to Auburn on Aug. 18-19 in the north parking lot at the The Outlet Collection | Seattle.
The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce is co-producing the event in partnership with the Watts Foundation and in collaboration with MENTOR Washington.
Watts, a former Sonic, established the nonprofit foundation that leverages sports for the enrichment of youth. Its programs help develop leadership skills, academic prowess and youth of high integrity. MENTOR Washington, formerly Mentoring Works Washington, is a public-private partnership founded in 2004 as a source of support for the hundreds of mentoring organizations throughout the state. Its mission is to promote, support and expand quality mentoring that fosters positive youth development and academic success.
The tournament is five years running and began with chamber partner Emerald Downs. The tournament was known as the EMD 3on3 Classic, one of the largest basketball events of its kind in Western Washington. Although some of the elements and the location of the tournament are changing, it will continue some of the traditions, which include involvement of nonprofits, said Julia Jordan, president and CEO of the Auburn Area Chamber.
“When the opportunity arose to take over the tournament and continue the work that Emerald Downs started, it just made sense for the chamber to take the project on and to include our longtime partner, the Watts Basketball Foundation,” Jordan said. “They (Watts) have been very supportive in our other endeavors like the high school career conference for our future workforce of Washington STEM project and our other annual fundraisers. Teaming up the Watts Foundation just makes sense.”
In addition, Emerald Downs has agreed to provide the use of the basketball hoops and equipment to the chamber.
The tournament is for all ages and abilities.
Divisions range from second grade to adult, including an elite division and a celebrity game. Each winner for the various levels will be recognized with prizes and awards. The elite winning team will take home the “Jim Marsh Elite Division” trophy. Games will be played throughout the day in The Outlet Collection north parking lot.
Admission is free for spectators. There will be a variety of activities, booths and interactive fun.
Team entry fee is $125. Youth team scholarships are available, courtesy of the event’s business investors and chamber partners.
To register or to obtain more information, visit slickwattsclassic.com or auburnareawa.org.
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