Hoops 4 Hope: Police and First Responders Unite in Community Basketball Tournament

As the sun dipped behind the silhouette of Concordia University, an unlikely arena came to life with the thunderous sound of sneakers hitting polished hardwood floors. Amidst laughter and friendly rivalry, police officers and first responders from across Orange County traded their badges for basketball jerseys in the inaugural “Hoops 4 Hope” 3-on-3 basketball tournament. The air, thick with camaraderie and competition, served as a reminder that even in the grim realities of their jobs, there exists a vibrant community bursting with gratitude and respect.

More Than Just a Game

While athletic contests between first responders are not novel, this event, staged by the Raise Foundation—dedicated to child abuse prevention—came with a poignant twist. “This wasn’t intended to raise money, but just to honor these folks,” declared Eldon Baber, Executive Director of the Raise Foundation. The tournament drew 16 teams from various police departments, each seeking not just victory but a moment to reflect on their shared mission.

“This is all about just saying ‘thank you’ and recognizing the work they do. We’re not going to raise money off the badge,” Baber emphasized, illuminating the event’s core purpose. In times exacerbated by public scrutiny and a pandemic that isolated communities, gatherings like this one represent a reclamation of shared joy.

A Fun Yet Competitive Format

The tournament’s structure kept the energy high with teams split into four pools, each containing four teams competing in half-court games. The teams battled to 21 points or until the time limit was reached. It was a format designed for both competition and engagement, highlighting the spirit of teamwork that pervades first responder agencies.

• Participating Departments: Westminster, Tustin, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Fullerton, and Fountain Valley.
• Winning Team: Los Bomberos (Firefighters).
• Runner-Up: Share the Sugar (OC Sheriff’s Department).

As the dust settled on the games, a team of firefighters known as Los Bomberos triumphed over an OC Sheriff’s squad in a thrilling title bout. Westminster Police had almost made it to the playoffs, but two players were sidelined due to injuries, proving that in sports—just like in life—the unexpected can shift the balance.

A Community Built on Collaboration

For the participants, the ritual of engaging in competition underscored a larger message about community support in trying times. Commander Scott Gump from Westminster Police spoke about the significance of participating in an event not tied to fundraising: “When I was approached with the idea, my immediate response was, ‘let’s do it.’” His zest for the event captured the spirit of many in attendance, who saw the game as a way to foster bonds beyond the badge.

Tustin Police Department’s Detective Charlie Carter concurred, emphasizing, “Whenever there’s competition involved, I’m probably the most competitive guy in the department.” The pride in representing their departments was palpable as teams donned reversible jerseys with their names emblazoned across their backs. However, competitiveness didn’t detract from the event’s underlying mission: solidarity. As Carter humorously remarked, “After we sat down, we got really tired,” highlighting that it’s not just about the basketball but the relationships built.

Shared Narratives in Uncertain Times

The psychological toll that recent years have taken on first responders cannot be understated. Capturing these sentiments, Baber reflected, “The last couple of years have not been a lot of fun,” referencing the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic on community spirits. His call for a sports event as a solution reveals important psychological insights: recreation can play a vital role in stress relief and community building, especially under such circumstances. A recent study in the “Journal of Community Psychology” reported that participating in community events significantly improves mental health among first responders, emphasizing the need for such gatherings.

Despite logistical challenges, like the Irvine Police Department only arriving with a sparse three-player team, the tournament met expectations. They were able to recruit three “Explorers” who coincidentally played for Portola High School, a fortuitous collaboration that echoed the tournament’s community ethos.

Building Bridges for the Future

Ultimately, Hoops 4 Hope was not just about who took home the trophy, but rather about recognizing the unwavering contributions of first responders. As community bonds were strengthened on the court, the laughter and high-fives transcended the limitations of their hurried, day-to-day responsibilities. Events like these not only serve as a respite from the weight of duty but also highlight the critical role that community engagement plays in fostering mutual support amongst public service workers. Navigating an increasingly complex social landscape, the first responders at the tournament showed that heart and teamwork can forge resilience—even off duty, they remain committed to their community, one game at a time.