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ISHPEMING -- Registration for the Ishpeming Gus Macker 3on3 Basketball Tournament is open and it is time to get your team together. The event will take place the weekend of May 19-21 and team registration closes May 1.
This year's hosting organization is the N.I.C.E. Community Schools and proceeds will go to help with programing there.
After a successful return in 2019 and a year off due to the pandemic, a new event committee has come together to put on this year's tournament. It will again be held in downtown Ishpeming running the stretch of Hematite Street from Main to Third, and down 1st Street to Pearl Street.
Founded in 1974, the Gus Macker events started expanding in 1987 as a traveling event with multiple entourages touring the Midwest. According to their website, "The Gus Macker 3on3 Basketball Tournament is designed so that anyone can play: male or female, young and old, short and tall, the most experienced or no experience at all."
The six objectives of a Gus Macker event include: a wholesome, family-oriented event; a tournament designed by players for players; value to sponsors; an outstanding fundraising event for the local community; a major media sporting event and entertainment for the spectators.
The Gus Macker provided data stating that over 4,000 people visited downtown Ishpeming for the 2022 event.
Although the organization provides the equipment and a small staff to run the actual event, it is up to each community to step up in a big way to make a successful tournament. There is a new event committee this year led by Mary Peterson and all the committee is volunteering their time to make this happen.
But by no means is the need for volunteers limited to a planning committee. The actual event needs help with set-up and tear-down, referees, scoring, merchandise sale and general event support. It is estimated that at least 100 volunteers are need throughout the weekend.
In addition to the excitement Gus Macker brings to a community there is an economic impact to the area.
This is where the GINCC plays a role. With helping to promote the event the local business can benefit from this attraction. We will be reaching out to our membership and downtown business to encourage involvement in the event, if not monetary perhaps with volunteering time.
The result will hopefully be a stronger community both economically and socially. For more information about the Ishpeming Gus Macker go to www.gusmackerish.com for registration, volunteering or sponsoring.
To learn more about the GINCC, visit www.gincc.org or give us a call 906-486-1111. Our hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday and the office is located at 910 U.S. 41 West in front Jubilee Foods & Fuel. Please call ahead as we are out of office from time to time.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Bob Hendrickson is the executive director of the GINCC. He resides in Negaunee with his wife, Laura, where they raised their daughter, Sierra. He enjoys mountain biking, skiing, fishing and hunting along with family time.