Since 2005, the City of Pensacola, Pensacola Sports Association and the Southern Youth Sports Association have hosted the Reggie Evans Southeast Jam – 600-800 kids annually from all over the South, U10-U17 boys and girls’ basketball teams …and their families. Three-fourths of the participants are African-American.
I’ve coached in the tournament (placing 2nd in the U12 girls) and found it to be one of the best run tournaments along the Gulf Coast.
This year’s tournament is next weekend and will have over 50 teams—filling hotel rooms along the Interstate and Hwy 29.
If the concern of the Escambia County Commission is to attract more African-American visitors to Pensacola —-which is what the TDC money is intended—then sponsor a few more youth basketball tournaments. The cost would only be about $20,000-$30,000 and we have proven leadership (City, PSA and SYSA) to put on the events.
We get the kids, we get their families and they will spend money in our restaurants and stores.
Plus, what more positive image can we give for our county and city than being a great place for youth sports?