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The Grind League 3x3

The Grind League hosted its second annual 3x3 Basketball Tournament and Community Togetherness Fest at Oakwood Park on September 4 and 5. The event featured various family-friendly activities, including musical acts, artwork displays, a bounce house for the kids, and an array of food and retail vendors.

The City of Lorain supported the three-on-three basketball portion, and the International Basketball Foundation (FIBA) endorsed the event. FIBA is the world governing body for basketball that organizes and oversees international competitions, including the Olympic Basketball Tournaments. The Play FIBA 3x3 campaign endorsement promotes playground basketball play on local courts.

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The Grind League 3x3 Basketball Tournament and Community Festival 2021—Oakwood Park, Lorain, Ohio

photo by Chris Goody

The two-day event provided the opportunity to showcase the beauty of Lorain County right here in our backyard. Locals and leaders from all sides of town, including Mayor Jack Bradley and 6th Ward City Councilman Rey Carrion, showed their support by attending the fest.

The Grind League 3x3 Basketball Tournament and Community Festival 2021—Oakwood Park, Lorain, Ohio

photo courtesy of The Grind League

One vendor, Relic Clothing III, pulled up to the park for the two days, bringing their unique vintage camper and the refreshed 80s and 90s fashion they offer in various styles.

The Grind League 3x3 Basketball Tournament and Community Festival 2021—Oakwood Park, Lorain, Ohio

photo by Chris Goody

J Simms & Friends Collective kicked off day one with their musical talents, and other performances over both days included other bands and DJs—including Tenawi, DJ Trap, Tre Smithers, SmplGod, and DJ Raven.

The Grind League 3x3 Basketball Tournament and Community Festival 2021—Oakwood Park, Lorain, Ohio

photo by Chris Goody

Team Burdue from Toledo won the men's category, and the women's category winner was the Lady Lighting team from Bedford, Ohio.

The Grind League 3x3 Basketball Tournament and Community Festival 2021—Oakwood Park, Lorain, Ohio

photo by Chris Goody

The tournament portion of the fest concluded on day one, but day two offered plenty of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.

The Grind League 3x3 Basketball Tournament and Community Festival 2021—Oakwood Park, Lorain, Ohio

photo by Chris Goody

The Grind League President and Event Organizer Darius Winborn said the organization "received great feedback from spectators and parents, appreciating and supporting what was put together for the youth, giving them days of hosted games—open and tournament—to play in a fun, safe, and festive atmosphere."

Event sponsors included Discovery Kids Day Care (Lorain, Ohio), Apples Market (Meister Rd. Lorain, Ohio), Signature Sound Productions (Lorain, Ohio), Dick's Sporting Goods (Westlake, Ohio), DJ D*Grind, FirstXXIV Media & Photography (Lorain, Ohio), Producers ERA Group Inc. (Online Media Retailer), and other local businesses and entrepreneurs.

The Grind League is a newly formed community-based nonprofit that hosts, curates, and organizes sporting activities and events for youth, teens, and young adults. They also provide food drives and self-care kits to individuals and families in need.

To be on the lookout for details surrounding all upcoming events, like and follow the organization's Facebook page: @GRINDLEAGUE3ON3USA.

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