HoopsFest 2024: The Largest Outdoor 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament in Pennsylvania is Back!!

HoopsFest 2024: The Largest Outdoor 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament in Pennsylvania is Back!!

Altoona, PA - June 18, 2024 -

The much-anticipated HoopsFest 2024 is set to take place on July 20th in the heart of Downtown Altoona. As Pennsylvania's largest outdoor 3-on-3 basketball tournament, HoopsFest offers a unique and exciting experience for players, volunteers, sponsors, and vendors. HoopsFest promises a day of competitive basketball, family-friendly activities, and an unforgettable experience for all participants.

Opportunities Still Available

There are still openings for teams to register, volunteers to join, sponsors to support, and vendors to showcase their offerings. HoopsFest is more than just a basketball tournament; it's a community celebration that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds. We are excited to announce that Altoona 1st Savings Bank is back as our main event sponsor for 2024.

Special Noon-Time Speaker: Thomas Valles

This year's noon-time speaker is Thomas Valles, famously portrayed as the troubled teen in the Disney movie McFarland USA. Valles was the lead runner for Coach White's 1987 state championship cross-country team. His life story is one of redemption and triumph over adversity.

Growing up in a broken household with an alcoholic father and a mother who was abused, Valles faced numerous challenges. After his parents divorced, his family struggled even more, leading his siblings to make poor life choices. Despite these hardships, Coach White saw potential in Valles and recruited him to run on his cross-country team. Under Coach White's mentorship, Valles became a leader and helped his team win the 1987 state title, paving the way for the program to win nine state titles in total.

Valles' inspiring journey continued as he served in the military, earned a degree, and eventually returned to McFarland to coach the girls' cross-country team and raise his family. His story, a testament to the power of mentorship and perseverance, aligns perfectly with this year's HoopsFest theme of GRIT, inspired by Galatians 6:9.

Founder Jim Kilmartin and Valles' Connection

Jim Kilmartin, founder of HoopsFest, was inspired by the movie McFarland USA and visited the town of McFarland in 2022. After posting about his experience, Valles reached out, and the two have stayed connected since. Valles is eager to share his powerful story at HoopsFest, highlighting how one coach's influence can change lives and build community pride.

Director's Message and Event Highlights

Theron Glenny, Head of Sponsorships/Marketing for HoopsFest, shared his excitement about the new initiatives this year, including promoting HoopsFest at PIAA State Basketball Championships, expanding media sponsorship with Seven Mountains Media, and focusing on strong personal outreach. "We believe this year will be something special. Every year HoopsFest has a theme and this year's theme is GRIT. Thomas Valles embodies that message perfectly. We can't wait to hear what he has to share."

The Kids Zone will feature sports activities, hair wrapping, caricatures, a misting station, and a bounce house. Confirmed food vendors include:

• Belly Busters Food Truck and Catering
• The Funnel Cake Kings
• Come Have A Meltdown
• Jenny's Sweet Treats
• Pure Joy Ice Cream
• Simply the Best Kettle Corn
• Red Bird Cafe
• MF Soul Food

Opportunities still exist for additional vendors. Join us for a day of basketball, inspiration, and community spirit at HoopsFest 2024!

For more information and to register, visit hoopsfest.net or contact Theron Glenny at 814-207-2961.

About HoopsFest

HoopsFest is more than just the largest outdoor 3-on-3 basketball tournament in Pennsylvania; it's a community-driven event dedicated to making a positive impact. Founded with a mission to bring youth together (and to get to know Christ) through sports, HoopsFest channels the excitement and energy of the tournament to support meaningful causes.

All money raised from HoopsFest benefits Christian non-profits and projects throughout Altoona and Blair County. Our beneficiaries work tirelessly to provide vital services, support community development, and foster a spirit of unity and compassion in the region. Through our collective efforts, we aim to uplift and empower those in need, creating lasting change and a stronger, more connected community.

Join us at HoopsFest and be part of an event that not only celebrates athleticism and teamwork but also contributes to the greater good. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of many and build a brighter future for Altoona and Blair County.

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